Peter the Pit Pony
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Background
Bestwood started out as a medieval hunting ground for royalty, but from 1872 to 1967, Bestwood was a coal mine whose miners dug up as much as 400 tonnes of coal an hour. Sometimes the miners had to go deep underground to dig up the coal. You might also hear a coal mine called a coal pit or a colliery.
Most of the energy we use today comes from electricity or oil. Many years ago we used to burn coal to get this energy, so coal was very important to us.
Working in a coal mine was very hard work so miners would use ponies to help them transport coal and machinery around the mine.
They used ponies because:
Size: small ponies could work in low and narrow roadways.
Strength: they could pull several coal tubs at the same time and work long hours.
Hardiness: ponies could cope with the harsh working and environmental conditions of the pit.
Intelligence: a pony could be trained to do the job.
What is ‘Peter the Pit Pony’ about?
Peter the Pit Pony is a story and trail aimed at younger children (between 2-8 years old approx.) that introduces children to the mining heritage of Bestwood Country Park in a fun and accessible way.
What to do:
Children’s group, infant or nursery group? Did you know you can also book a Peter the Pit Pony workshop?
You can book a Peter the Pit pony workshop with us, all proceeds will be re-invested back into the park. Contact Laura for more information. [email protected] It is hoped to resume these classes as soon as restrictions on gatherings are lifted.
More information:
Pit Ponies at Bestwood
Memories of the Pit Ponies
Miner’s Lamp - More information
Shovel - More information
Snap Tin - More information
Miner’s token - More information
Canary - More information
Miner’s helmet - More information
Bestwood started out as a medieval hunting ground for royalty, but from 1872 to 1967, Bestwood was a coal mine whose miners dug up as much as 400 tonnes of coal an hour. Sometimes the miners had to go deep underground to dig up the coal. You might also hear a coal mine called a coal pit or a colliery.
Most of the energy we use today comes from electricity or oil. Many years ago we used to burn coal to get this energy, so coal was very important to us.
Working in a coal mine was very hard work so miners would use ponies to help them transport coal and machinery around the mine.
They used ponies because:
Size: small ponies could work in low and narrow roadways.
Strength: they could pull several coal tubs at the same time and work long hours.
Hardiness: ponies could cope with the harsh working and environmental conditions of the pit.
Intelligence: a pony could be trained to do the job.
What is ‘Peter the Pit Pony’ about?
Peter the Pit Pony is a story and trail aimed at younger children (between 2-8 years old approx.) that introduces children to the mining heritage of Bestwood Country Park in a fun and accessible way.
What to do:
- Purchase the Peter the Pit Pony storybook for just £3 from the Dynamo House (when open) or via post (plus £1.50 P&P) by emailing your details to us using the contact us form.
- Read the story about Peter’s adventures down the coal pit.
- At the back of the story book is a trail sheet that will take you on a short trail round the park.
- Look for the orange coloured trail posts and see if you can spot pictures of the mining items from the story on them.
- Once you have found each one draw, write down the name of it and draw it on your trail sheet.
- You can even scan the picture on the trail post with your smart phone or tablet to find out more information about it.
Children’s group, infant or nursery group? Did you know you can also book a Peter the Pit Pony workshop?
You can book a Peter the Pit pony workshop with us, all proceeds will be re-invested back into the park. Contact Laura for more information. [email protected] It is hoped to resume these classes as soon as restrictions on gatherings are lifted.
More information:
Pit Ponies at Bestwood
Memories of the Pit Ponies
Miner’s Lamp - More information
Shovel - More information
Snap Tin - More information
Miner’s token - More information
Canary - More information
Miner’s helmet - More information
