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Wide angle view of the Goldthorpe Railway Embankment with train mural by local artist

Welcome

From eye-sore to pride and joy: the transformation of Goldthorpe Railway Embankment

Goldthorpe embankment used to be part of a railway network that supported the coal mining industry. When the mines closed, the tracks were taken up and the unused cuttings (running through Goldthorpe), became heavily fly-tipped and graffitied.

In 2016 work began to redesign the site, clear it of all the rubbish and create the beautiful wildlife haven and rural escape in an urban area we see today.

The site is now managed by the Goldthorpe Railway Embankment Group (GREG) which made up of local residents, elected members of representatives from local business, community groups, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and Network Rail. The site is used by local schools, nurseries, community groups and youth organisations to host activities. It is also open to the public on a regular basis, including hosting community events. It is a place that the whole community and wildlife can enjoy.

Work continues on the site to improve it further and regular events are held. Please use this website to find out more about when the site is open for you to visit, planned events, the history of the site and how you can get involved.

aerial drone image image of goldthorpe railway embankment

An enduring legacy for the whole community

Our group, the Goldthorpe Railway Embankment Group (GREG) has made a wonderful start in creating an enduring legacy for the whole community. We want people to be able to come down to the embankment and enjoy a place of tranquility and natural beauty, one that is so close to the centre of the village yet, in other respects, so far away. It’s a place of peace and quiet, you can get close to nature and simply listen to the bird calls, walk amongst the shrubs and flowers and bring children to enjoy a safe and pleasant time away from the everyday stress of life.

To ensure the ongoing sustainability of the site we are particularly keen to engage with children and young people and regularly use the site as an environmental education area for nurseries, schools and youth and community groups.

It’s your community space, it’s yours to use.

Flowers and interpretation boards at Goldthorpe Embankment
Flowers and interpretation boards at Goldthorpe Embankment

This project has been funded and developed in partnership with the following organisations: