<img src='' title='Archives: What's On Venue' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Archives: What's On Venue

Ancient oak woodland, spectacular views and more than 500 million years of history can be enjoyed here.

Originally declared as a Local Nature Reserve in 1989 and extended several times, the Country Park covers an area of 85.5 hectares and is one of the largest and most wildlife rich of Telford’s green spaces.

Once a hive of industry, Granville has been reclaimed by nature. Telford New Town’s development plan incorporated a green network of hedgerows, canals, meadows, canal fringes and other open spaces that were retained, so that wildlife and people could live together. It was an achievement that won international recognition, pioneering the way forward for other new towns.

Granville is one of the largest and most wildlife diverse of these places, much valued by local people for its recreational opportunities. The spirit of renewal is tangible here, nature has reclaimed the area after centuries of industrial activity, which finally ceased when Granville, the last deep mine in the county, closed down.

Relics of former industrial activity, including furnaces and an old winding house, are now surrounded by woodland full of birds, while pit mounds of waste have been transformed into flower-rich grassland and heath.

There are footpaths around the reserve which can be accessed by all. It is mostly easy walking with some steep pit mounds (which can be avoided).

Remains of its former industrial history such as the tub boat canal, blast furnaces and winding house can still be explored although woodlands, meadows, a marsh and open water, grasslands and heath cover the area today.

Nature has reclaimed this former industrial site supporting an abundance of birds and flowers.

Thanks to the hard work of Friends of Apley Woods, Telford and Wrekin Council, other conservation agencies and Councillor Karen Blundell, Apley Woods was declared a Local Nature Reserve in 2020. In addition, in 2023, it was awarded Green Flag status which recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces.

With its 56 acres of meadows, pools, trees and winding footpaths, Apley Woods are a fine example of a 19th century landscaped woodland.

Records mention woodland on this site as far back as 1300. However, the present woods were largely created during the last 200 years as part of the ornamental gardens to the second Apley Castle, a Georgian mansion house built in 1792 and demolished in 1955.

Nestled in an ex-military hut, in the middle of Donnington, is a precious community theatre, which is celebrating 70 wonderful, dramatic – and melodious – years.

Built during the Second World War, ‘The Little Theatre’ possesses a colourful past. Before finally being converted into a theatre by Units of Donnington Garrison and the drama enthusiasts, the building was used as a gymnasium, shooting range, store house and lecture hall – all part of the wartime COD Donnington complex, which opened in May 1940. Within this small venue a number of societies, with names such as: The Cascades, The Estateers and The Orpheus Society used both amateur and professional talent to perform concerts, shows, pantomimes and plays. In the early 1950’s, however, they came together and called themselves Donnington Garrison Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society and their first production was ‘The Light of Heart’ in 1952. Finally, in January 1954, The Little Theatre was born with the first show being the pantomime Robinson Crusoe. Their first Gilbert and Sullivan show, The Mikado, debuted 5 years later in 1959 and some of that cast are still active members today.