149/365: The Roughnecks of Sherwood Forest

Dukes Wood is a unique site rich in wildlife with a fascinating industrial past as the UK's first onshore oilfield. It is now designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

At its peak of oil production some 170 pumps - nodding donkeys - and 1200 workers including specialists from Oklahoma were active on this site. Dukes Wood Oilfield consequently played a significant role in supplying the Allied Forces during WWII and went on to produce 4 million barrels of oil from 1939 to 1966 when it eventually closed.

The land was donated to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust in 1989 by British Petroleum (BP).

More info. for anyone interested:

Roughnecks of Sherwood Forest

Dukes Wood Oil Museum

Can't believe I knew nothing about this until last year. I'm glad I went back because it just fascinates me.

My extra photo is of one of the many nodding donkeys.