About Hesley Wood Scout Activity Centre

HESLEY WOOD was originally formed part of the Earl Fitzwilliam's estate, and it is reputed that in mediaeval times, monks explored the land for iron ore. During the 19th Century the land was acquired by mining company Newton Chambers Ltd. for coal mining, and there is still evidence of bell pits, mine shafts and opencast workings around the site.

Mining continued until the 1920's, when the site became dormant until 1946. In that year Newton Chambers Ltd. devised a scheme through their Managing Director, the late Sir Harold West, then County Commissioner, whereby the South Yorkshire Scout Association made use of the land at a peppercorn rent with the option to buy 68 acres of woodland plus 23 acres of grassland in 1970, (which it did with a grant from the West Charitable Trust).

In June 1946 the first meeting was held to decide, "How can Scouts best use Hesley Wood?" From this meeting and subsequent tremendous efforts, training and general camping was able to commence in 1948, in which approximately 200 camping days were recorded.
In January 2000 the site acquired another 41 acres, which brings the total acreage to 132.

A dedicated team of Scouts and Leaders runs the site, plus numerous Leaders and friends who help supervise or instruct on many facilities.
It is the proud boast that Hesley Wood is "The Friendly Camp" where Scouting hospitality awaits all visitors.
If you wish to help, maybe you have a special skill, or simply enthusiasm, then contact the Site Warden by using the email given at the top of this page