eccelsall woods management plan.pdf - University of Sheffield
eccelsall woods management plan.pdf - University of Sheffield
eccelsall woods management plan.pdf - University of Sheffield
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ECCLESALL WOODS<br />
GREEN FLAG AND GREEN<br />
HERITAGE AWARDS<br />
APPLICATION 2007<br />
Parks and Countryside, <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council
CONTENTS<br />
• LIST OF ACTIONS BASED UPON JUDGES FEEDBACK IN<br />
2006<br />
• MANAGEMENT PLAN, INCORPORATING ADDITIONAL<br />
INFORMATION FOR GREEN HERITAGE APPLICATION –<br />
• APPENDICES<br />
0
LIST OF ACTIONS BASED UPON JUDGES FEEDBACK IN 2006<br />
Status - Pass<br />
Overall band score 70-74<br />
Desk Assessment Feedback<br />
Band score 20-24<br />
Criteria<br />
Ecclesall Woods<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council<br />
Green Flag Award 2006/2007<br />
Strengths Recommendations<br />
Presentation Comprehensive document with<br />
much detailed information including<br />
detailed appendices.<br />
Health, Safety &<br />
Security<br />
Maintenance <strong>of</strong><br />
equipment,<br />
buildings<br />
Detailed information relating to<br />
various procedures is contained<br />
with document.<br />
Management <strong>plan</strong> contains high<br />
level <strong>of</strong> detail <strong>of</strong> structures,<br />
boundaries and landscape with<br />
1<br />
This rather bulky document is not<br />
easy to reference in parts. Lack <strong>of</strong><br />
page numbers does not help the<br />
reader access information.<br />
Action<br />
A new <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong> has been<br />
prepared and a more streamlined<br />
approach taken. Page no’s are<br />
now included<br />
Plan does not make clear if<br />
aspects such as (e.g. anti-social<br />
behaviour, discarded syringes) are<br />
potential problems or if incidents <strong>of</strong><br />
this kind have occurred and to<br />
what extent.<br />
Set out Health and Safety<br />
procedures for <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
contractors on working on site.<br />
Action<br />
The types <strong>of</strong> anti-social behaviour<br />
mention are very rare. This now<br />
more explicit in the <strong>management</strong><br />
<strong>plan</strong>.<br />
All contract documents relating to<br />
procurement <strong>of</strong> external<br />
contractors include associated<br />
health and safety procedures, risks<br />
assessments, etc. Examples will<br />
be made available for the 2007-08<br />
field visit<br />
Detailed proposals for future<br />
development and use <strong>of</strong> buildings<br />
should be prepared for inclusion in
& landscape<br />
Litter, cleanliness,<br />
vandalism<br />
Environmental<br />
Sustainability<br />
Conservation <strong>of</strong><br />
heritage & nature<br />
Community<br />
Involvement<br />
detail <strong>of</strong> inspection regimes. future documents.<br />
Good operating procedures in place<br />
with good linkage to health and<br />
safety procedures where<br />
appropriate.<br />
Effective minimisation procedures in<br />
place through use <strong>of</strong> timber on site<br />
as fencing or habitat piles. Minimal<br />
reliance on bins/ collection with<br />
visitors encouraged to take litter<br />
home.<br />
Extensive and detailed information<br />
on the site is included within the<br />
<strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong>. Aims are clearly<br />
set out.<br />
Active and well-established Friends<br />
group are an asset to the site.<br />
Good usage as an educational<br />
resource with potential to develop<br />
this further.<br />
2<br />
Action<br />
The new site <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong><br />
includes the sawmill site,<br />
information on current use and<br />
proposals for improvements and<br />
the future. As further detailed<br />
master <strong>plan</strong>ning, etc for the<br />
sawmill site is completed, the<br />
<strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong> will be updated<br />
as necessary<br />
Plans to increase visitor numbers<br />
to areas <strong>of</strong> the site may require<br />
specific consideration <strong>of</strong> this<br />
aspect.<br />
Action<br />
Agreed. The on-going master<br />
<strong>plan</strong>ning and feasibility work for<br />
the sawmill site, and its links to the<br />
surrounding woodland, will<br />
consider this and associated<br />
recommendations<br />
See comments above regarding<br />
need to consider potential impact<br />
<strong>of</strong> increased visitor numbers.<br />
Action<br />
As above<br />
Field assessment revealed<br />
increasing use for organised active<br />
leisure. Management <strong>plan</strong> should<br />
reflect such usage and any<br />
aspirations to further develop this.<br />
Friends group have been pivotal in<br />
protecting site and <strong>management</strong><br />
<strong>plan</strong> should consider how this<br />
group might be encouraged<br />
sustained over long term.<br />
Action<br />
The new <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong><br />
includes comprehensive<br />
assessment <strong>of</strong> the current<br />
recreational facilities, site usage,<br />
perceptions, etc, and considers<br />
action to maintain and improve
Marketing Strategy<br />
Overall<br />
<strong>management</strong><br />
Promotion <strong>of</strong> the site is carefully<br />
balanced and conducted through<br />
various media including the<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council website.<br />
Comprehensive <strong>management</strong><br />
systems in place supported by<br />
detailed recording <strong>of</strong> flora, fauna<br />
and landscape features. Active<br />
involvement <strong>of</strong> “Friends” is pivotal to<br />
the successful protection,<br />
maintenance and promotion <strong>of</strong> the<br />
site.<br />
3<br />
provision as appropriate. The<br />
aspirations <strong>of</strong> the sawmill site have<br />
been developed following a<br />
detailed consultation process, and<br />
the new <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong> sets out<br />
the broad process to achieve the<br />
vision<br />
The Friends <strong>of</strong> Groups (especially<br />
the Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods)<br />
are supported in many different<br />
ways by the City Council, and have<br />
a stable membership. Parks and<br />
Countryside will continue to<br />
support these and other<br />
stakeholder groups wherever<br />
possible. Furthermore, the sawmill<br />
site <strong>of</strong>fers a new opportunity to<br />
provide a setting for events and<br />
activities run by groups, a store for<br />
tools and materials, publicity<br />
through the new shop/gallery, etc<br />
Plan does not identify who is using<br />
the site or equally who is not using<br />
it and why. This is key to<br />
successful marketing and to<br />
identifying any barriers that may<br />
exist to using the site. Information<br />
should be gathered on users to<br />
enable understanding <strong>of</strong> age,<br />
gender, ethnicity, catchment,<br />
means <strong>of</strong> travel, purpose, duration,<br />
time / season <strong>of</strong> visit etc.<br />
Action<br />
A new visitor survey was<br />
undertaken in autumn 2006, and a<br />
number <strong>of</strong> issues and<br />
recommendations identified.<br />
Please refer to new <strong>management</strong><br />
<strong>plan</strong><br />
Carefully consider the likely impact<br />
<strong>of</strong> the proposed increased use <strong>of</strong><br />
areas the site.<br />
Address marketing information<br />
deficit and use data to help<br />
safeguard future <strong>of</strong> site and ensure<br />
continued sympathetic public use.<br />
Action<br />
Please refer to the actions outlined<br />
above
Field Assessment Feedback<br />
Band score 50-54<br />
Criteria Strengths Recommendations<br />
A Welcoming Place Management <strong>of</strong> the site supports<br />
a strong sense <strong>of</strong> welcome at a<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> levels. Paths,<br />
bridleways and glades are well<br />
managed with a feeling <strong>of</strong><br />
openness that encourages a<br />
sense <strong>of</strong> personal safety. The<br />
entire area was virtually litter free<br />
and there was little evidence <strong>of</strong><br />
misuse, vandalism, neglect or<br />
erosion. Signage was good<br />
without being intrusive.<br />
Healthy, Safe<br />
and Secure<br />
Clean and<br />
Well Maintained<br />
Footpaths and other routes well<br />
maintained.<br />
The site scored highly in this area<br />
overall with high standards <strong>of</strong><br />
woodland maintenance and visitor<br />
access evident.<br />
However timer yard site needs<br />
considerably work in order to<br />
match the high standards<br />
achieved elsewhere on the site.<br />
4<br />
Include an emergency contact<br />
number on signs, leaflets and other<br />
information.<br />
Improve / replace toilet facilities.<br />
Action<br />
Emergency contact information will<br />
be added to interpretative panels<br />
and notice boards by Spring 2007.<br />
The leaflets will be improved to<br />
include emergency contact details<br />
as they are re-printed or replaced.<br />
The original toilets are for<br />
staff/tenant use only. A new<br />
disabled toilet is now present within<br />
the sawmill site for public use,<br />
although these facilities are not<br />
open at all times<br />
Toilet facilities at timber yard leave<br />
much to be desired and need<br />
improvement if visitors’ needs are<br />
to be properly served.<br />
Devise and implement<br />
development and improvement<br />
<strong>plan</strong> for timber yard area.<br />
Action<br />
As stated above, disabled toilet<br />
facilities are now available for<br />
public use<br />
The new <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong> sets<br />
out a programme <strong>of</strong> improvements<br />
to the sawmill site, whilst<br />
associated master-<strong>plan</strong>ning and<br />
further feasibility work will look at<br />
these issues in further detail<br />
Devise <strong>plan</strong>s to limit impact <strong>of</strong><br />
parking and vehicular access to<br />
timber yard site.<br />
Action<br />
Please see comments above
Sustainability<br />
Conservation<br />
and Heritage<br />
High standards in evidence<br />
throughout with no areas <strong>of</strong><br />
concern apparent. Proposals to<br />
develop timber yard site <strong>of</strong>fer<br />
exciting prospect <strong>of</strong> sustainable<br />
and productive utilisation <strong>of</strong> site in<br />
balance with conservation and<br />
access objectives.<br />
One aspect for concern relates to<br />
access to the timber yard and<br />
particularly car parking. There is<br />
significant and obvious potential<br />
for tension between the<br />
development and business<br />
objectives <strong>of</strong> timber yard site<br />
which will require easy access for<br />
an expanded number <strong>of</strong><br />
customers / visitors and the<br />
objectives <strong>of</strong> protecting the natural<br />
environment and heritage <strong>of</strong> the<br />
site.<br />
Largely covered in previous<br />
section. Excellent work <strong>of</strong> staff<br />
and volunteers in identifying and<br />
mapping industrial archaeology is<br />
noted.<br />
Restricted access to areas <strong>of</strong> the<br />
site provides undisturbed habitat.<br />
5<br />
Action<br />
Agreed. The new <strong>management</strong><br />
<strong>plan</strong> addresses these issues to a<br />
point. The on-going master<br />
<strong>plan</strong>ning process and related<br />
feasibility work will further refine<br />
medium to long term<br />
solutions/approaches<br />
Continue to involve and support<br />
the Friends group and others.<br />
Consider succession <strong>plan</strong>ning<br />
within Friends and other active<br />
groups in order to avoid drop in<br />
support if one or two key stalwarts<br />
become unavailable due to age or<br />
other commitments.<br />
Action<br />
Please refer to comments above. It<br />
is hoped that as it is regenerated,<br />
the sawmill site and related<br />
education and interpretative<br />
programmes here and in the wider<br />
woodland, etc will help in raising<br />
the pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> the group and attract<br />
new members. For example, the<br />
group is now able to advertise its<br />
activities through the shop/gallery<br />
sometimes reaching a different<br />
audience than the more regular<br />
visitors to the woodland; the new<br />
Flora <strong>of</strong> the <strong>woods</strong>, developed by<br />
the Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods is<br />
available for sale in the shop.
Community<br />
Involvement<br />
Marketing<br />
Management<br />
There is an active Friends group<br />
with along established association<br />
with the site. There is evidence<br />
that the group has provided<br />
valuable input at operational level<br />
through mapping, recording and<br />
active conservation <strong>management</strong><br />
tasks together with evidence that<br />
Friends have played a strategic<br />
role in securing the future <strong>of</strong> the<br />
site over many years. Indeed<br />
evidence suggests that were it not<br />
for earlier activity <strong>of</strong> the Friends<br />
the site may have been lost for<br />
alternative use many years ago.<br />
A difficult site to market in some<br />
respects due to largely informal<br />
nature <strong>of</strong> site and use although<br />
some valuable promotion work<br />
noted.<br />
Strong evidence <strong>of</strong> positive<br />
proactive <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> the site<br />
by committed team <strong>of</strong> staff and<br />
volunteers.<br />
6<br />
Analyse and better understand use<br />
<strong>of</strong> site, who uses it, when, why, for<br />
how long, how they travel and from<br />
where? etc. Also examine which<br />
groups (age, gender, ethnicity, etc)<br />
do not use the site and explore any<br />
barriers to doing so. Explore<br />
strategies to ensure access for all.<br />
Action<br />
Please see comments above<br />
Ensure <strong>plan</strong>s look sufficiently far<br />
ahead and incorporate need to<br />
retain, renew and refresh<br />
community involvement.<br />
Action<br />
Agreed and included in new<br />
<strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong><br />
Include an emergency contact<br />
number on signs, leaflets and other<br />
information.<br />
Improve / replace toilet facilities.<br />
Action<br />
See comments above<br />
Overall comments Development <strong>of</strong> timber yard site <strong>of</strong>fers great potential to develop living<br />
heritage and secure woodland future through productive use. Whilst<br />
this has the potential to develop as a very valuable resource at many<br />
levels (including significant potential for educational use) there is a risk<br />
that the proposals could become victims <strong>of</strong> own success. For example if<br />
the number <strong>of</strong> visitors, particularly car borne visitors is allowed to<br />
develop beyond the capacity <strong>of</strong> the site to accommodate this then it<br />
could ultimately prove to be detrimental to the site overall.<br />
The work <strong>of</strong> staff and volunteers is reflected in the high standard <strong>of</strong><br />
the site overall. These high standards do credit to all concerned.<br />
Ensure careful balance between desire to develop timber yard site as<br />
commercial and educational resource and the overall conservation<br />
needs <strong>of</strong> the site. Particular attention should be given to the potential<br />
difficulties <strong>of</strong> increased vehicular traffic and parking at the timber yard<br />
site.
ECCLESALL WOODS<br />
MANAGEMENT PLAN<br />
2007-2011<br />
7
Parks and Countryside<br />
CONTENTS PAGE PAGE No.<br />
FOREWORD 11<br />
SECTION 1: SITE DESCRIPTION AND EVALUATION 12<br />
1.1 Setting the Scene 12<br />
1.1.1 Site Statistics 12<br />
1.1.2 General introduction to the site 12<br />
1.1.3 Brief compartment descriptions 13<br />
1.1.4 Management Structure for the site 15<br />
1.1.5 Relevant Strategies and Policies 15<br />
1.1.6 Statutory designations and constraints 17<br />
1.1.7 Byelaws 18<br />
1.1.8 Leases, wayleaves and covenants 18<br />
1.2 Cultural Value 19<br />
1.2.1 Land use history 19<br />
1.2.2 Archaeology 23<br />
1.2.3 Landscape value 24<br />
1.2.4 Buildings and other facilities 25<br />
1.2.5 Use <strong>of</strong> the site 26<br />
1.2.6 Community involvement 27<br />
1.3 Environmental Value 32<br />
1.3.1 Physical 32<br />
1.3.2 Biodiversity 34<br />
1.3.3 Silvicultural assessment, evaluation and <strong>management</strong> options 39<br />
1.4 Health and Safety 43<br />
1.5 Sustainability 45<br />
8
1.6 Marketing 46<br />
SECTION 2: VISION 49<br />
SECTION 3: MANAGEMENT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 49<br />
3.1 Aims and objectives <strong>of</strong> <strong>management</strong> 49<br />
SECTION 4: MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION 58<br />
4.1 Annual maintenance work programme (Years 1-5) 58<br />
4.2 Annual <strong>management</strong> work programme (Years 1-5) 60<br />
4.3 Recurring annual <strong>management</strong> tasks 67<br />
SECTION 5: FINANCIAL STATEMENT 68<br />
5.1 Financial forecast 2007-2011 68<br />
5.2 Current and future sources <strong>of</strong> funding 69<br />
SECTION 6: RESEARCH, MONITORING AND REVIEW 72<br />
6.1 Research 72<br />
6.2 Monitoring 72<br />
6.3 Review 73<br />
9
APPENDICES<br />
Appendix 1 Detailed Compartment Descriptions (P2 –8)<br />
Appendix 2 Byelaws covering Ecclesall Woods (P9)<br />
Appendix 3 Flora and Fauna Species Lists (P10 – 35)<br />
Appendix 4 Events Policy (P36)<br />
Appendix 5A DEL Health and Safety Policy (P37)<br />
Appendix 5B Customer Enquiry System (P38)<br />
Appendix 5C Procedure for dealing with anti-social behaviour (P43)<br />
Appendix 5D PC Safe System <strong>of</strong> Work for removal <strong>of</strong> needles and syringes (P45)<br />
Appendix 6A SCC Environmental Policy (P47)<br />
Appendix 6B EMAS (P49)<br />
Appendix 6C PC Pesticide Policy (P50)<br />
Appendix 6D SCC Policy on the Use <strong>of</strong> Peat (P53)<br />
Appendix 7 SCC Corporate Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct (P55)<br />
Appendix 8A 2006 visitor questionnaire (P56)<br />
Appendix 8B 2006 visitor questionnaire technical appendices<br />
Appendix 9 Chronology <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods (P57)<br />
Appendix 10 Bibliography (P60)<br />
LIST OF FIGURES<br />
Figure 1.1a Site location within <strong>Sheffield</strong><br />
Figure 1.1b Site location within Millhouses<br />
Figure 1.2 Compartment map<br />
Figure 1.3 Management Structure<br />
Figure 1.4 Services<br />
Figure 1.5 1770 division <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods<br />
Figure 1.6 1850’s Ordnance Survey <strong>of</strong> the area<br />
Figure 1.7 Key areas and features <strong>of</strong> archaeological interest<br />
Figure 1.8 Ecclesall Woods sawmill site layout <strong>plan</strong><br />
Figure 1.9 Access points<br />
Figure 1.10 Definitive rights <strong>of</strong> way and other recognised routes<br />
Figure 1.11 Outline vision for Ecclesall Woods sawmill site<br />
Figure 1.12 Hydrology<br />
Figure 1.13 Underlying Geology<br />
Figure 1.14 Main vegetation communities<br />
Figure 4.1 Proposed major <strong>management</strong> works, 2007-2011<br />
10
FOREWORD<br />
Previous <strong>plan</strong>s<br />
The site is owned by <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council and is managed by the Parks and Countryside<br />
Service. This <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong> has been developed after a review <strong>of</strong> the previous<br />
<strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong> covering the period 2000-2006, and related public and other<br />
stakeholder consultation.<br />
Purpose and presentation <strong>of</strong> the Management<br />
The purpose <strong>of</strong> this Plan is:<br />
• To provide a general introduction to the site and its different interests, values and<br />
benefits<br />
• To deliver the site aims and objectives that are informed by the above<br />
• To monitor improvements to site <strong>management</strong> & customer service in accordance with<br />
the Green Flag criteria<br />
It is a dynamic document that guides Parks and Countryside and all those involved in<br />
achieving the vision for the site.<br />
Those involved in preparing this <strong>plan</strong><br />
The production <strong>of</strong> this <strong>plan</strong> has involved considerable consultation with key stakeholders,<br />
particularly the site users, the Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods and Dore Village Society and<br />
Parks and Countryside personnel involved in the site’s <strong>management</strong> and maintenance.<br />
The <strong>plan</strong> was prepared by Parks and Countryside.<br />
Member/Senior Officer Supporting Statement<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> has developed a well-established infrastructure <strong>of</strong> Area Panels, engaging all <strong>of</strong><br />
the city's 84 Councillors in 12 corporate areas. The Panels are an integral part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Council's political <strong>management</strong> structure and are at the heart <strong>of</strong> the Council’s aim to<br />
create a network <strong>of</strong> quality green spaces throughout the city.<br />
Parks and Countryside Area Action Plans have been developed by each <strong>of</strong> the city’s 12<br />
Area Panels, and each Panel has identified the priority themes and green space sites in<br />
their area for development and regeneration when opportunities arise.<br />
Ecclesall Woods is a priority site within the south west local area action <strong>plan</strong>. Further<br />
information and downloads are available on our website at:<br />
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/all-about-us/areaaction-<strong>plan</strong>s/south-west-area-action-<strong>plan</strong><br />
11
SECTION 1: SITE DESCRIPTION AND EVALUATION<br />
1.1 Setting the Scene<br />
1.1.1 Site Statistics<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Site ECCLESALL WOODS<br />
Address Abbey Lane, Millhouses, <strong>Sheffield</strong><br />
Location 5 km south-west <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sheffield</strong> city centre<br />
Grid ref SK 323 825<br />
Size <strong>of</strong> whole site 139.9 hectares (ha)<br />
Site Owner <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council<br />
Site Management Parks and Countryside, Development Environment and Leisure<br />
Directorate<br />
Designations (a) Local Nature Reserve<br />
(b) Two Grade II structures – Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t bridge and Wood<br />
collier’s memorial<br />
(c) Scheduled Monument – prehistoric cup and ring stone<br />
(d) Tree Preservation Order covers the woodland and tree<br />
groups within Ecclesall Woods sawmill site<br />
(e) 15 km <strong>of</strong> dedicated public rights <strong>of</strong> way<br />
(f) The whole site is designated as Green Belt within the<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> Unitary Development Plan<br />
(g) Parks and Countryside listed as a City Site and a Heritage<br />
Site<br />
(h) The great majority <strong>of</strong> the site is ancient woodland<br />
1.1.2 General introduction to the site<br />
Ecclesall Woods is the premier public and largest ancient semi-natural woodland in<br />
South Yorkshire, and the “jewel in the crown” within the City Council’s 1500 hectare<br />
woodland estate.<br />
It is situated within the southwest <strong>of</strong> the City, between the suburbs <strong>of</strong> Millhouses<br />
and Dore village, some 5 km from the City centre, and attracts around 300-400,000<br />
visits per annum. Visitors come from across the City and adjoining areas. Refer to<br />
Figures 1.1a and 1.1b.<br />
It is <strong>of</strong> major archaeological and historical interest, including features from pre-<br />
history through to the Middle Ages, with very extensive evidence <strong>of</strong> traditional<br />
woodland <strong>management</strong> and associated industries. The South Yorkshire<br />
Archaeology Service considers the site one <strong>of</strong> the most important woodlands in the<br />
County.<br />
As a Local Nature Reserve the woodland is <strong>of</strong> city wide value for nature<br />
conservation, supporting several UK Biodiversity Action <strong>plan</strong> priority species, for<br />
example song thrush and white clawed crayfish, and priority habitats such as wet<br />
woodland.<br />
Within the woodland, adjacent to Abbey Lane, is situated what was once a working<br />
sawmill site with ancillary facilities. This area is currently at the early stage <strong>of</strong><br />
regeneration to provide additional visitor facilities, a retail outlet for local wood<br />
12
products and services, a base for education, interpretation and training<br />
programmes linked to the woodland and its heritage, and a location for several<br />
community based tree <strong>plan</strong>ting and environmental education organisations, and<br />
wood-based businesses, who work in partnership with the City Council. Master<br />
<strong>plan</strong>ning, to move the vision forward for this site, will start in 2007.<br />
Freeman College (Ruskin Mill Educational Trust) licence a small part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
woodland as a setting for their traditional woodland skills curriculum.<br />
The site is divided into three main blocks by Whirlowdale Road (B6375) and Abbey<br />
Lane (B6068). For <strong>management</strong> purposes this division is used to refer to the<br />
woodland as three main blocks: Wood 1, north <strong>of</strong> Whirlowdale Road, extending to<br />
Parkhead; Wood 2, south <strong>of</strong> Whirlowdale Road and bounded to the west by Abbey<br />
Lane; and Wood 3, lying between Dore and Abbey Lane.<br />
1.1.3 Brief compartment descriptions<br />
Ecclesall Woods is split into 3 main <strong>management</strong> compartments, reflecting its<br />
division by bisecting highways, and its entry in the Forestry Commission’s<br />
Woodland Grant Scheme (Wood 1 is represented as Compartment 115;<br />
Wood 2 as Compartment 114; and Wood 3, including the sawmill site, as<br />
Compartment 116). These in turn are broken into sub-compartments on the<br />
basis <strong>of</strong> dominant tree species, woodland age structure and the presence <strong>of</strong><br />
other facilities or habitats. Please refer to Figure 1.2.<br />
The sub-compartments are summarised below:<br />
Sub-Compartment Area<br />
(hectares)<br />
Planting<br />
Year<br />
13<br />
Dominant<br />
Species<br />
Other<br />
facilities /<br />
habitats<br />
114a 15.3 Pre-1900 Oak/Birch<br />
114b 6.4 Pre-1900 Beech<br />
114c 2.9 Pre-1900 Oak/Birch<br />
115a 24.0 Pre-1900 Oak/Birch/<br />
SChestnut<br />
115b 0.6 Pre-1900 Beech<br />
115c 6.7 Pre-1900 SY/MB<br />
115d 0.6 Mixed MB Coppice<br />
115e 1.4 60-70 MB<br />
115f 3.1 Pre-1900 Mixed<br />
116a 3.7 60-70 Mixed Includes<br />
picnic area<br />
116b 0.8 Pre-1900 MB<br />
116c 1.6 60-70 Mixed<br />
116d 17.0 Pre-1900 MB Bird<br />
Sanctuary<br />
116e 1.2 60-70 Mixed Sawmill<br />
Site<br />
116f 34.2 Pre-1900 Oak<br />
116g 3.2 Pre-1900 Beech<br />
116h 1.1 meadow<br />
116i 0.7 70-80 MB<br />
116j 2.6 Pre-1900 MB
Sub-Compartment Area<br />
(hectares)<br />
Planting<br />
Year<br />
14<br />
Dominant<br />
Species<br />
Other<br />
facilities /<br />
habitats<br />
116k 9.1 Pre-1900 Mixed<br />
116L 0.7 40-60 MB Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t<br />
mill site<br />
116m 3.0 40-60 SY<br />
TOTAL 139.9<br />
SY – Sycamore<br />
MB – Mixed Broadleaves<br />
Mixed – mixture <strong>of</strong> conifers (mainly Scots Pine and European Larch) and<br />
broadleaves (Oak, S Chestnut, Sycamore generally)<br />
Detailed compartment descriptions are provided in Appendix 1.<br />
1.1.4 Management Structure for the site<br />
Ecclesall Woods is managed by Parks and Countryside (P and C), part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Directorate <strong>of</strong> Development, Environment and Leisure (DEL) within <strong>Sheffield</strong> City<br />
Council.<br />
Within P and C, <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> the site is overseen by the Trees and Woodlands<br />
Section with input from other Sections <strong>of</strong> the Service, the wider Council and<br />
external partners and stakeholders. Refer to Figure 1.3.<br />
Day to day <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> the site is co-ordinated principally through the<br />
Woodlands Manager (focusing on strategic, project and budget <strong>management</strong>), with<br />
input from one <strong>of</strong> the Community Tree Officer (responsible for responding to day to<br />
day enquiries, for example, tree nuisance issues) and one <strong>of</strong> the Woodlands<br />
Project Officer (focusing on education and interpretative projects and initiatives). In<br />
addition, a specific Woodlands Project Officer leads the on-going regeneration <strong>of</strong><br />
the sawmill site.<br />
The Southern Ranger Team within P and C undertake a wide range <strong>of</strong> small-scale<br />
practical site <strong>management</strong> and maintenance projects within the site under the<br />
direction <strong>of</strong> the Trees and Woodlands Section, as well as delivering a annual<br />
programme <strong>of</strong> events and interpretative and educational activities on site.<br />
On behalf <strong>of</strong> Parks and Countryside, the car park at the Limb Lane entrance is<br />
maintained by Street Force, a parallel Service within DEL. In addition, the formal<br />
parking bays alongside Abbey Lane are also managed and maintained by Street<br />
Force. The majority <strong>of</strong> the highway verges around the site are the responsibility <strong>of</strong><br />
Highway Services. The public rights <strong>of</strong> way within the site are the responsibility <strong>of</strong><br />
the Public Rights <strong>of</strong> Way Section, Highway Services. However, as the client<br />
Service, Parks and Countryside undertake most <strong>of</strong> maintenance <strong>of</strong> the rights <strong>of</strong> way<br />
network. Street Force’s specialist arboricultural team undertake emergency tree<br />
maintenance work within the site.<br />
Other parts <strong>of</strong> DEL and other Directorates within the Council are involved in the<br />
care and <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> the woodland as required, particularly the South<br />
Yorkshire Archaeology Service based with Development Services, who provide<br />
advice on archaeological issues.
The Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods are the primary grassroots community group<br />
associated with the site. Other key stakeholder groups include the Dore Village<br />
Society, <strong>Sheffield</strong> Hallam <strong>University</strong>, Freeman College (Ruskin Mill Educational<br />
Trust), Working Woodlands Ltd and the South Yorkshire Forest Partnership.<br />
A number <strong>of</strong> businesses are based at the sawmill site, through tenancy’s at will.<br />
These are Handspring Design, Hector and Cedric Ltd, Tinsley Tree Project,<br />
Sustainable Business Supplies, Lorraine Botterill and Leah Torp-Neilson, and<br />
Working Woodlands Ltd.<br />
Further information on some <strong>of</strong> the above stakeholders can be found at the<br />
following web-links:<br />
http://www.dorevillage.co.uk/<br />
http://www.syforest.co.uk/<br />
http://www.ruskin-mill.org.uk/<br />
http://www.workingwoodlands.info/<br />
http://www.workingwoodlandsproducts.co.uk/<br />
http://www.handspringdesign.co.uk/<br />
1.1.5 Relevant Strategies and Policies<br />
Site Categorisation Strategy (2000)<br />
The Site Categorisation Strategy for <strong>Sheffield</strong>’s parks and green spaces identifies<br />
Ecclesall Woods as a City Site.<br />
City Sites play a major role in making <strong>Sheffield</strong> a City to be proud <strong>of</strong>, consistent with<br />
meeting the needs <strong>of</strong> the residents <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sheffield</strong>, and contribute to the quality <strong>of</strong><br />
visitor’s experience <strong>of</strong> the City.<br />
Further information regarding this strategy and its methodology, can be found on<br />
our website:<br />
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/all-aboutus/site-categorisation-strategy<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong>’s Parks Regeneration Strategy (1999)<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong>’s Parks Regeneration Strategy is the long-term <strong>plan</strong> for the regeneration<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Sheffield</strong>'s green space. The strategy aims to continuously improve the<br />
<strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> green space for people, wildlife and heritage by:<br />
• working in partnership with others<br />
• supporting communities to become actively involved with the <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> their<br />
green spaces and assisting us in determining standards<br />
• making the best use <strong>of</strong> existing resources<br />
• securing additional resources to improve services<br />
15
Further information regarding this strategy can be found on our Website:<br />
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/all-aboutus/parks-regeneration-strategy<br />
The Strategy is currently under review in preparation for a <strong>Sheffield</strong> Green and<br />
Open Spaces Strategy, <strong>plan</strong>ned for completion in 2008.<br />
Tree and Woodland Strategy (2001)<br />
Although currently under review, this provides specific policies relating to the overall<br />
strategic vision and <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Sheffield</strong>’s tree and woodland resource.<br />
Further information regarding this strategy can be found on our Website:<br />
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/trees-woodlands<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> Environment Strategy (2003)<br />
In 2001, the City Council set up a Local Strategic Partnership, with responsibility for<br />
ensuring that the social, economic and environmental well being <strong>of</strong> the city is<br />
delivered in an integrated way. The <strong>Sheffield</strong> First for Environment partnership<br />
produced an environmental strategy for the city, in 2003, which sets out a vision <strong>of</strong><br />
what the city wants to achieve, based on community involvement and covers six<br />
key challenges. This strategy is currently under review and consultation. A new<br />
strategy will be produced during 2007. A copy <strong>of</strong> the present strategy can be found<br />
at:<br />
http://www.sheffieldfirst.net/our-partnerships/sheffield-environment-partnership/keydocuments<br />
Local Agenda 21(1998)<br />
In 2001 the City Council set up a Local Strategic Partnership, with responsibility for<br />
ensuring that the social, economic and environmental well being <strong>of</strong> the city is<br />
delivered in an integrated way. The <strong>Sheffield</strong> First for Environment partnership have<br />
now produced a final draft environmental strategy for the city which sets out a<br />
vision <strong>of</strong> what the city wants to achieve, based on community involvement.<br />
Unitary Development Plan<br />
This document guides future <strong>plan</strong>ning and developments across the city.<br />
It is currently being reviewed and a new <strong>Sheffield</strong> Development Framework will be<br />
produced by 2007<br />
Further details are available via the Development Services website:<br />
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/in-your-area/<strong>plan</strong>ning-and-city-development/<strong>plan</strong>ningdocuments<br />
City Strategy 2005-2010<br />
Led by the <strong>Sheffield</strong> First Partnership, this strategy has several main aims<br />
16
• To provide a framework for <strong>Sheffield</strong>’s continued transformation during 2005-2010,<br />
and a vision for the future<br />
• To identify and address the key issues facing <strong>Sheffield</strong><br />
• To present a united view to government and the European Union in attracting the<br />
support and resources to do what needs to be done.<br />
Further detail is available at:<br />
http://www.sheffieldfirst.net/sheffield-city-strategy<br />
Other important City Council, regional and national policy strategies have also<br />
informed the development <strong>of</strong> the <strong>plan</strong>:<br />
• <strong>Sheffield</strong> Nature Conservation Strategy (<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council, 1991)<br />
• UK Biodiversity Action Plan (HMSO, 1995)<br />
• Coal Measures Natural Area Pr<strong>of</strong>ile (English Nature, 1997)<br />
• UK Forestry Standard: The Government’s Approach to Sustainable Forestry<br />
(Forestry Commission, 1998)<br />
• England Forestry Strategy (Forestry Commission, 1999)<br />
• <strong>Sheffield</strong> Countryside Strategy (<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council, 1999)<br />
• <strong>Sheffield</strong> Local Biodiversity Action Plan (<strong>Sheffield</strong> Biodiversity Steering Group,<br />
2001)<br />
• Working with the grain <strong>of</strong> nature: A biodiversity strategy for England (DEFRA, 2002)<br />
• <strong>Sheffield</strong> Cultural Strategy (<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council, 2005)<br />
• The value <strong>of</strong> Trees in our Changing Region: The Regional Forestry Strategy for<br />
Yorkshire and The Humber Region (Forestry Commission, 2005)<br />
• Natural England Strategic Direction 2006-2009 (Natural England, 2006)<br />
1.1.6 Statutory designations and other constraints<br />
• Ecclesall Woods and the sawmill site are designated Green Belt<br />
• The majority <strong>of</strong> the site (with the exception <strong>of</strong> the sawmill site) is a Local Nature<br />
Reserve, and most <strong>of</strong> the site is classed as an Area <strong>of</strong> Natural History Interest as<br />
defined by the <strong>Sheffield</strong> Unitary Development Plan.<br />
• One archaeological monument has Scheduled Monument status, the<br />
prehistoric cup and ring stone (SAM number 29932) in Wood 1.<br />
There are two Grade II Listed Buildings within the site – a stone bridge<br />
over the Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Brook in Wood 3, and the wood collier’s memorial in<br />
Wood 2.<br />
• A Tree Preservation Order (808/338) covers the small woodlands and tree groups<br />
within the sawmill site<br />
• The site is crossed by 15km <strong>of</strong> public rights <strong>of</strong> way, including six public footpaths<br />
(nos. 244, 247, 248, 249, 281, 282 and 283) in Wood 1; two public footpaths (nos.<br />
250 and 252) and two public bridleways (nos. 240 and 241) in Wood 2; and five<br />
public footpaths (nos. 253 254, 255, 256 and 466) and three public bridleways (nos.<br />
245, 246 and 252) in Wood 3. A number <strong>of</strong> other routes are managed as de facto<br />
definitive routes<br />
• The majority <strong>of</strong> the site is included within the Nature Conservancy Council<br />
17
Ancient Woodland Inventory (1986). Square Plantation and much <strong>of</strong> the<br />
woodland on the Dore side <strong>of</strong> the Limb Brook dates from the nineteenth<br />
century onwards and is not ancient<br />
• 17 hectares <strong>of</strong> Wood 3 is designated as a bird sanctuary, but also forms a general<br />
wildlife sanctuary where public access is not encouraged and a minimal<br />
intervention approach is taken<br />
• The site falls within the Coal Measures Natural Area as defined by English Nature<br />
(1996) and the Countryside Commission's Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe<br />
Character Area (1998)<br />
• The site is included on Natural England’s Invertebrate Site Register<br />
• The site also forms part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Sheffield</strong> Round Walk, a circular route covering<br />
various parks, woodlands and other open spaces in west <strong>Sheffield</strong><br />
1.1.7 Byelaws<br />
Ecclesall Woods is covered by the SCC byelaws, which cover many <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sheffield</strong>’s<br />
parks and open spaces. The existing byelaws were made in 1966 (amended in<br />
1971) and relate to the powers in the Public Health Act 1875 and Open Spaces Act<br />
1906. A variety <strong>of</strong> powers do exist to protect the public and the environment from<br />
possible conflicts <strong>of</strong> interest, misuse and abuse. The byelaws cover such things as<br />
vehicular use, cycling, ball games, events, picking flowers and many others. It is<br />
widely recognised that some <strong>of</strong> the existing byelaws are now irrelevant in today's<br />
society and consequently some byelaws are no longer enforced. However,<br />
overhauling the existing byelaws is a considerable and expensive legal task and<br />
until such a time that the relevant byelaws are fully reviewed and amended the<br />
existing powers remain in place and are enforced as and when appropriate.<br />
A copy <strong>of</strong> the byelaws can be found on our website at:<br />
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/all-aboutus/byelaws<br />
1.1.8 Leases, wayleaves and covenants<br />
Tenancy at wills<br />
Tenancy’s at will’s cover six businesses based at the sawmill:<br />
• Handspring Design Ltd<br />
• Hector and Cedric Ltd<br />
• Sustainable Building Supplies Ltd<br />
• Tinsley Tree Project<br />
• Working Woodlands Ltd<br />
• Lorraine Botterill and Leah Torp-Neilson<br />
Wayleaves<br />
A Yorkshire Water main sewer passes through the site from Whirlow Park<br />
Road, through the sawmill site, and onto Abbey Lane, whilst another skirts the<br />
southern edge <strong>of</strong> Whirlowdale Road along the woodland boundary. The<br />
18
idleway from Limb Lane is followed by a main sewer, which then runs south<br />
down the bridleway adjoining the Limb Brook all the way to Abbeydale Road<br />
South.<br />
A Yorkshire Electricity sub-station is present at the north-western entrance<br />
from Abbey Lane (SK 319835) in Wood 1, with links to the main network on<br />
Abbey Lane. A British Gas sub-station is present <strong>of</strong>f Abbey Lane (SK<br />
322837) in Wood 3 with various links to the main network on Abbey Lane. A<br />
British Gas pipeline skirts the south-western boundary <strong>of</strong> Wood 3. Refer to<br />
Figure 1.4.<br />
Covenants<br />
The following conditions are taken from the purchase deeds (No. 3692 Ecclesall<br />
Woods).<br />
• Free passage and drainage for water and soil coming from any property <strong>of</strong> the<br />
vendor (Fitzwilliam-Wentworth estate) adjoining or near to the lands sold.<br />
• Without the written consent <strong>of</strong> the vendor, not to use the lands for any purpose<br />
other than for new streets, street improvement works, public parks, pleasure<br />
grounds, sports grounds and open spaces.<br />
• Without the written consent <strong>of</strong> the vendor, not to erect any buildings except public<br />
buildings, park keepers and gate keepers houses, conveniences, and pavilions, etc<br />
connected with sport and the use <strong>of</strong> lands as stated above.<br />
• To erect and maintain all the boundaries where they adjoin other property <strong>of</strong> the<br />
vendor.<br />
19
1.2 Cultural Value<br />
1.2.1 Land use history (a summarised chronology is available in Appendix 9)<br />
The early history <strong>of</strong> the area is unclear, but archaeological evidence strongly<br />
suggests that by at least the Romano-British period, the area now known as<br />
Ecclesall Woods was predominantly agricultural, with woodland perhaps restricted<br />
to wetter ground and streams sides. At some time later, perhaps in the Dark Ages,<br />
the agricultural land was abandoned and reverted to woodland (Rotherham, 2006),<br />
and by the time <strong>of</strong> the Domesday Survey, 1086, the local area was dominated by<br />
wood-pasture like much <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Sheffield</strong> and Rotherham area (Jones 1993).<br />
The Limb Brook in Wood 3 historically formed the boundary between the Anglo-<br />
Saxon kingdoms <strong>of</strong> Mercia and Northumberland, and later Derbyshire and<br />
Yorkshire.<br />
The post-Domesday history <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods is uncertain, but it was part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
manor <strong>of</strong> the de Ecclesall family by the fourteenth century. In 1317, Robert de<br />
Ecclesall was granted a licence to impark and Ecclesall Woods may have been part<br />
<strong>of</strong> this park. Certainly, adjoining place names like Park Head, at the northern point<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>woods</strong> amongst others, suggest the location <strong>of</strong> a Park on the northern limits<br />
<strong>of</strong> the site. In the eighteenth century one <strong>of</strong> the compartments within the site was<br />
named as Warren Wood (rabbit warrens were <strong>of</strong>ten created in deer parks), and in<br />
the seventeenth and eighteenth century there were two launds on the western side<br />
<strong>of</strong> the woodland and one within the south <strong>of</strong> the wood, laund being a name for a<br />
clearing or pasture within a woodland.<br />
By at least 1587, Ecclesall Woods was under coppice with standards <strong>management</strong><br />
(Jones 1993), used to provide the raw materials to make a great variety <strong>of</strong><br />
products, particularly charcoal for iron smelting, and “whitecoal” as a fuel in lead<br />
smelting. The <strong>woods</strong> were acquired in the early seventeenth century by the Bright<br />
family, passing to the Rockingham family in 1752. From then until the early<br />
nineteenth century the woodland continued to be managed as coppice with<br />
standards. The eighteenth century records show coppice cycles varying from 14 -<br />
43 years; the longer cycles suggesting that Oak timber for building projects was<br />
important, with Oak underwood providing pit timber, and bark for use in tanning<br />
leather (Jones and Walker, 1997). The woodland continued to be let as herbage<br />
(agistment) into the eighteenth century.<br />
In the seventeenth and eighteenth century Ecclesall Woods comprised separate,<br />
named <strong>woods</strong> that changed gradually over the centuries. Refer to Figure 1.5.<br />
From the early nineteenth century, the woodland was gradually transformed into a<br />
high forest as coppice <strong>management</strong> was abandoned. Introduced species,<br />
particularly Sweet Chestnut and Beech were <strong>plan</strong>ted extensively (from 1824 until<br />
1899), as well as Scots Pine, European Larch, and Sycamore, amongst others.<br />
Figure 1.6 depicts the woodland extent in the 1850s.<br />
The <strong>plan</strong>ting actively reflects the gradual transition from coppice-with-standards to<br />
high forest <strong>management</strong> (Jones and Walker 1997), when it is suggested that three<br />
processes were taking place simultaneously:<br />
• Planting <strong>of</strong> gaps at the end <strong>of</strong> the coppice cycle with both conifers and broadleaves;<br />
• Natural regeneration;<br />
20
• Storing <strong>of</strong> coppice.<br />
'Falls' <strong>of</strong> wood from coppice <strong>management</strong> stopped after 1859. In 1848, the first<br />
timber sale was recorded, and from 1853 until 1900-01 took place almost<br />
continuously. After this, active timber <strong>management</strong> ceased until very recently.<br />
In 1920, Whirlowdale Road was cut through the eastern half <strong>of</strong> the site, and<br />
proposals were prepared to develop most <strong>of</strong> the site for residential homes.<br />
However, in 1927, Ecclesall Woods was purchased from the Earl Fitzwilliam for<br />
£45,000; £10,000 coming from Alderman Graves, and the remainder from the City<br />
Corporation (Deed no 3692). The site was <strong>of</strong>ficially opened as a public open space<br />
by Her Royal Highness Princess Mary on 23rd August 1928. In 1929, an area <strong>of</strong><br />
17 hectares was reserved as a bird sanctuary, maintained to the present day.<br />
Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Glen was gifted by J G Graves to the Council in 1937.<br />
During the twentieth century the woodland has become almost surrounded by<br />
urban development, with the exception <strong>of</strong> areas opposite Limb Lane (Whirlow<br />
playing field), and significant areas <strong>of</strong> the post-medieval woodland have been lost<br />
particularly along the north-eastern boundary.<br />
The major storm damage in 1962 led to the development <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods<br />
Sawmill.<br />
1.2.2 Archaeology<br />
Ecclesall Woods contains a tremendous wealth <strong>of</strong> archaeological features with over<br />
1000 individual features recorded.<br />
This is includes small number <strong>of</strong> pre medieval sites and exceptional coverage <strong>of</strong><br />
medieval to post medieval features mainly associated with woodland use and<br />
<strong>management</strong>. As such the <strong>woods</strong> are considered a regionally to nationally<br />
important archaeological landscape not only because <strong>of</strong> the number, range and<br />
density <strong>of</strong> features, but also because <strong>of</strong> the associations between them and the<br />
related documentary record. Figure 1.7 depicts the key areas and features <strong>of</strong><br />
interest. In addition, a GIS database <strong>of</strong> all the archaeological features recorded<br />
from the site was developed in 2001, with the help <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sheffield</strong> Hallam <strong>University</strong><br />
and is held by the South Yorkshire Archaeology Service (SYAS) as part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
County Sites and Monuments Register (SMR). (An example will be brought along<br />
for inspection during the GF/GH field visit, as advised by the Civic Trust).<br />
Archaeological fieldwork since the early 1990’s has greatly contributed to the<br />
knowledge base for the site, and this was collated and analysed in 2001<br />
(Bevan). The Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods have undertaken considerable<br />
survey work since 2003, through two concurrent Local Heritage Initiative grants.<br />
The City Council is advised by the South Yorkshire Archaeology Service on all<br />
aspects <strong>of</strong> archaeology and regularly consults with them in relation to <strong>management</strong><br />
proposals, interpretation, specific survey work, etc.<br />
Sites with Statutory Protection<br />
A prehistoric cup and ring-marked stone in Wood 1 (at SK 326831) is a Scheduled<br />
Monument, and is dated to the late Neolithic or Bronze Age periods (2800-500 BC).<br />
It is the first prehistoric carving to be discovered in the eastern foothills <strong>of</strong> the South<br />
21
Pennines, and is therefore very rare. A 2m boundary around the feature is also<br />
protected (English Heritage, 1998). Whilst a public footpath runs close to the<br />
feature it has fallen into disuse and has not been actively promoted at the request<br />
<strong>of</strong> the SYAS.<br />
A stone bridge over the Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Brook (Wood 3), and a charcoal burner’s memorial<br />
stone dated 1786 (Wood 2) are Grade II Listed Buildings, and as such can be<br />
considered <strong>of</strong> regional importance.<br />
All three features are in reasonable to good condition, are monitored regularly, and<br />
action taken as necessary. No specific change in current <strong>management</strong> practices is<br />
required.<br />
Other Sites<br />
There are potentially other sites within the wood <strong>of</strong> national significance (Bevan,<br />
2001) utilising the criteria for scheduling ancient monuments (Policy Planning<br />
Guidance Note PPG16: Archaeology and Planning DoE 1990):<br />
• A hill-top enclosure on the north-western edge <strong>of</strong> the bird sanctuary, which is<br />
considered to be Iron Age or Romano-British in origin (ASE, 2002)<br />
• An extensive nearby irregular field system within the bird sanctuary dated to the<br />
same period (ASE, 2002)<br />
Two known mill sites, Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Mill and dam, and Whirlow Wheel, provide<br />
examples <strong>of</strong> the local exploitation <strong>of</strong> water-power and through their<br />
associations with lead smelting and grinding are particularly illustrative <strong>of</strong><br />
local industries. The surviving remains <strong>of</strong> the mills themselves and their<br />
associated water features can be considered to be <strong>of</strong> regional importance.<br />
In addition, a bank and ditch traced alongside the Limb Brook, if a remnant <strong>of</strong> the<br />
medieval deer park boundary, could be considered <strong>of</strong> regional importance.<br />
Other sites identified are mostly Q or whitecoal pits (over 100 in number) and<br />
charcoal hearths (over 200 in number), extractive sites or sites associated<br />
with stone quarrying, coal extraction and linear earthworks which include<br />
trackways, 150 “grips” and possible woodland compartment boundaries. In<br />
general terms, most <strong>of</strong> these sites can be considered to be <strong>of</strong> local importance,<br />
although some examples may be <strong>of</strong> greater significance.<br />
Recommendations for further archaeological survey<br />
Whilst considerable new information on the archaeology has been gathered since<br />
2000, there remain several types <strong>of</strong> descriptive and investigative work:<br />
• Filling in blank areas within the existing surveys;<br />
• More detailed surveys <strong>of</strong> features recorded in the existing surveys; and<br />
• In exceptional circumstance, more explorative investigation <strong>of</strong> selected features.<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> Hallam <strong>University</strong>, who have a longstanding interest in the site, are<br />
focusing on filling in the blank areas within the existing survey, to be added to the<br />
GIS database periodically.<br />
The following priorities for detailed investigative work remain:<br />
22
• A probable field system present to the east <strong>of</strong> the Limb Brook, in Wood 3 which is<br />
potentially prehistoric, Romano-British or medieval.<br />
• Another boulder with possible rock art identified in the bird sanctuary by Ardron<br />
(2001) that requires verification further by a specialist<br />
• Enclosures north <strong>of</strong> Whirlowdale Road/west <strong>of</strong> Cow Lane, in Wood 1, <strong>of</strong> unknown<br />
origin<br />
• A sample <strong>of</strong> woodland compartment boundaries to record their construction<br />
• Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Mill and dam have not been systematically surveyed. This would be<br />
worthwhile to assess its current condition and any related conservation issues.<br />
Whirlow Wheel is in a fragile condition structurally, and options for its future are<br />
currently being considered. A photographic survey in 2006 (ARCUS) has provided<br />
considerable new information on the site that could be useful for future<br />
interpretation.<br />
Explorative investigation <strong>of</strong> selected features is limited to exceptional<br />
circumstances, as advised by SYAS. Work <strong>of</strong> this kind in the last five years<br />
has included excavation <strong>of</strong> part <strong>of</strong> a stone “tramway” prior to bridleway<br />
improvements in Wood 3 (ARCUS, 2004), and excavation <strong>of</strong> two Q-pits to better<br />
determine how they operated (ASE, 2007).<br />
Other <strong>management</strong> issues<br />
The GIS database, together with the SMR provide a very valuable <strong>management</strong><br />
and reference tool for Parks and Countryside when <strong>plan</strong>ning proposed site works.<br />
Major works or those in sensitive areas are always complimented with a site visit<br />
with SYAS (and as appropriate <strong>Sheffield</strong> Hallam <strong>University</strong>), to inform project<br />
development and implementation.<br />
A self-guided Archaeological Trail has been produced, and the site-based<br />
interpretative information and events programmes help to interpret elements <strong>of</strong> the<br />
site’s rich heritage. However there is great scope for more public interpretation <strong>of</strong><br />
the archaeological resource. At the same time, continuing the strong “community<br />
archaeology” projects initiated since 2001 would be very worthwhile.<br />
23
1.2.3 Landscape value<br />
Ecclesall Woods lie within the Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe Character Area<br />
as defined by the Countryside Commission (1998) and is situated on the southwestern<br />
suburbs <strong>of</strong> the City, rising gently from Abbeydale Road South northward.<br />
Much <strong>of</strong> this Countryside Area is characterised by urban influences, with a close<br />
conjunction <strong>of</strong> large-scale industry, urban areas and transport routes with open<br />
countryside. Urban development is confined mainly by valleys creating a dramatic<br />
interplay <strong>of</strong> views between settlements and the surrounding, frequently wooded,<br />
hillsides. Overall the impression is <strong>of</strong> a well-wooded landscape even though tree<br />
cover is relatively sparse. This broad description is fairly typical <strong>of</strong> the area around<br />
Ecclesall Woods.<br />
Much <strong>of</strong> the landscape surrounding the woodland is urban, although other<br />
woodland is frequent along the river Sheaf to the south-east, for example, Poynton<br />
Wood, Ladies Spring Wood and Hutcliffe Wood, which all lie on the north-west<br />
facing scarp slopes, whilst the western side <strong>of</strong> the site merges into open<br />
countryside, with the boundary <strong>of</strong> the Peak National Park lying only one and a half<br />
kilometres away. These other woodlands and nearby open spaces like Beauchief<br />
Golf course <strong>of</strong>fer impressive views over the canopy <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods, whilst from<br />
Limb Lane and Whirlow playing fields, the importance <strong>of</strong> the woodland within the<br />
landscape is also very high.<br />
For those using the main roads crossing/adjoining the site i.e. Abbeydale Road<br />
South, Abbey Lane, and Whirlowdale Road, the woodland provides a very<br />
attractive backdrop, whilst enhancing the amenity <strong>of</strong> the adjoining residential<br />
properties.<br />
The "landscape" within the woodland is also important. The presence <strong>of</strong> very large,<br />
mature Sweet Chestnut, and scattered mature Pine and Larch contribute greatly to<br />
the amenity <strong>of</strong> the site, whilst the various blocks <strong>of</strong> over-mature, large spreading<br />
Beech are <strong>of</strong> particular aesthetic appeal, and unique to this part <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sheffield</strong>. Whilst<br />
these species are introductions, the retention and replacement <strong>of</strong> a proportion <strong>of</strong><br />
these species and character types is important for both aesthetic and historic<br />
reasons.<br />
24
1.2.4 Buildings and other facilities<br />
The primary buildings within the site are those located with the sawmill site<br />
including (refer to Figure 1.8):<br />
• Two workshops. The first (workshop 1) is a brick built structure, which also includes<br />
a small mess room and staff/business toilet, and is adjoined by an open-sided barn.<br />
The second (workshop 2), is a metal portal frame, which includes an disused wooddrying<br />
kiln, together with a further open-sided barn<br />
• A wooden portacabin<br />
• Two <strong>of</strong>fice portacabins<br />
• Two metal storage portacabins<br />
• A dehumidifier (within a metal container)<br />
• A compost toilet for the use <strong>of</strong> staff/site-based businesses<br />
• Small concrete hardstanding used as visitor, staff and tenants car parking area<br />
• A public toilet<br />
The great majority <strong>of</strong> these buildings and portacabins are occupied by tenants at<br />
will.<br />
In addition, Freeman College (RMET) constructed a green wood working shelter<br />
and compost toilet in Wood 3 in 2007.<br />
Site boundaries<br />
The majority <strong>of</strong> the site boundaries are residential and dominated by garden<br />
fencing, as well as remnant stone walling (and hedging) in places. Those adjoining<br />
highways are predominantly open (except for occasional sections <strong>of</strong> recent post<br />
and rail fencing) whilst those along the western edge <strong>of</strong> the site are demarcated by<br />
stone walls, (hedgerows and metal railings) and are in generally reasonable repair.<br />
Bridges and steps<br />
A number <strong>of</strong> wooden, stone and concrete bridges are present within the site,<br />
crossing over the Limb Brook and other streams and drainage channels. A stone<br />
bridge over the Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Brook in Wood 3 is a Grade II Listed Building.<br />
The majority are in a reasonable state <strong>of</strong> repair. Several small sections <strong>of</strong> steps are<br />
present in the site within Wood 3. All are in a good state <strong>of</strong> repair. Maintenance <strong>of</strong><br />
all the structures is overseen by Premises and Assets, within DEL.<br />
An annual inspection <strong>of</strong> all bridges and steps, etc is undertaken by Parks and<br />
Countryside, and associated works undertaken as necessary.<br />
25
1.2.5 Use <strong>of</strong> the site<br />
Ecclesall Woods provides a wide variety <strong>of</strong> opportunities for informal and formal<br />
recreation. This value rises when placed within the context <strong>of</strong> adjacent public sites<br />
such Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet and Millhouses Park.<br />
A visitor survey (Hallam Environmental Consultants, 2006) undertaken in autumn<br />
2006 within Ecclesall Woods informs much <strong>of</strong> the following discussion. A full copy<br />
<strong>of</strong> the survey results can be viewed in Appendices 8A and 8B.<br />
(i) Assessment <strong>of</strong> the current usage<br />
Walking, <strong>of</strong>ten with a dog, is the commonest informal activity within the site, <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
related to “fresh air and exercise”. Horse riding and mountain biking are also<br />
popular together with a range <strong>of</strong> other recreation like natural history study, jogging,<br />
orienteering, and collecting chestnuts and mushrooms, to simply picking up school<br />
children.<br />
Nearly a third <strong>of</strong> visitors come every day, and tend to be in the <strong>woods</strong> alone or in<br />
pairs. A greater proportion <strong>of</strong> visitors appear to be female than male. The 25-59<br />
age group is the most common one recorded, whilst the great majority <strong>of</strong> visitors<br />
are <strong>of</strong> White British ethnicity. On the whole, most visitors have visited the <strong>woods</strong><br />
before and feel that they had always known about the <strong>woods</strong>. The most common<br />
length <strong>of</strong> visit is for 30 minutes to 1 hour.<br />
Most visitors come from the nearby districts <strong>of</strong> Millhouses, Ecclesall and Dore, but<br />
visitors do come from across the City and outside. Despite the local origin <strong>of</strong> most<br />
visitors, more than half travel by car to the site.<br />
Abbey Lane is the most popular entrance point although Whirlowdale Road is<br />
almost as popular. Although all three <strong>woods</strong> appear to be equally popular in terms<br />
<strong>of</strong> regular use almost twice as many people in the 2006 survey had never visited<br />
Woods 1 and 2 as had never visited Wood 3.<br />
The greatest attraction to the <strong>woods</strong> appears to be their locality.<br />
26
(ii) Evaluation <strong>of</strong> the current recreational facilities<br />
Access points<br />
The majority <strong>of</strong> the access points into the woodland provide “access to all” and<br />
comply with Disability Discrimination Act guidelines. Most are defined by structures<br />
such as wide squeeze stiles, sometimes with wooden gates allowing access for<br />
<strong>management</strong> and emergency vehicles. Refer to the table below and Figure 1.9:<br />
Access<br />
point<br />
Current infrastructure<br />
1 Footpath entrance. Squeeze stile and wooden gate<br />
2 Footpath entrance. Squeeze stile and wooden gate<br />
3 Footpath entrance. Squeeze stile and wooden gate<br />
4 Bridleway entrance. Collapsible bollard<br />
5 Footpath entrance. Stone steps and hand rail<br />
6 Bridleway entrance. No access controls<br />
7 Footpath entrance. Collapsible bollard<br />
8 Footpath entrance. Collapsible bollard<br />
9 Bridleway entrance. Collapsible bollard<br />
10 Footpath entrance. Squeeze stile and wooden gate<br />
11 Bridleway entrance. Collapsible bollard<br />
12 Bridleway entrance. Collapsible bollard<br />
13 Footpath entrance. Squeeze stile<br />
14 Bridleway entrance. Squeeze stile and wooden gate<br />
15 Footpath entrance. Squeeze stile<br />
16 Footpath entrance. No access controls<br />
17 Footpath entrance. No access controls<br />
18 Footpath entrance. Squeeze stile and wooden gate<br />
19 Entrance to sawmill site. Metal gallows gate<br />
20 Footpath entrance. No access controls<br />
21 Footpath entrance. No access controls<br />
22 Footpath entrance. Squeeze stile<br />
23 Bridleway entrance. Wooden gate<br />
24 Footpath entrance. No access controls<br />
25 Bridleway entrance. Squeeze stile and wooden gate<br />
26 Footpath entrance. Squeeze stile and steps<br />
27 Footpath entrance. Squeeze stile<br />
28 Footpath entrance. Squeeze stile and metal gate<br />
29 Bridleway entrance. No access controls<br />
30 Informal entrance. No access controls<br />
31 Footpath access. Stone squeeze stile<br />
32 Footpath access. No access controls<br />
Public rights <strong>of</strong> way and other routes<br />
Ecclesall Woods is crossed by 15km <strong>of</strong> public rights <strong>of</strong> way (refer to Figure 1.10), <strong>of</strong><br />
which around 40% are bridleways and the rest footpaths. A number <strong>of</strong> other<br />
recognised permissive routes are also present, plus other informal paths.<br />
In general, the definitive and permissive routes within the woodland are either flat<br />
or lie on gentle slopes providing on the whole, good access opportunities for a wide<br />
range <strong>of</strong> people with mixed abilities.<br />
27
During the implementation <strong>of</strong> the preceding <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong> there were<br />
considerable additions to the network as a number <strong>of</strong> major desire lines, particularly<br />
those for horse-riders, were recognised formally, surfaced and signposted. Overall,<br />
this has helped to provide more circular routes and complete gaps in the network.<br />
In addition, many routes have either been surfaced for the first time or re-surfaced<br />
after many years, generally with recycled crushed brick, whilst all the signposting<br />
within the woodland was renewed and extended as required in 2004.<br />
Further minor improvements and continual maintenance are required, but the major<br />
improvements proposed in the previous <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong> have been delivered.<br />
An “Easy Going Trail”, a route specially surfaced for those in wheelchairs was<br />
completed through Wood 1 and 2 in 1999, as designated by the Public Rights <strong>of</strong><br />
Way Unit. The <strong>Sheffield</strong> Round Walk, established in the 1970’s, also crosses the<br />
site running adjacent to the Limb Brook in Wood 3. The Round Walk was relaunched<br />
in summer 2000 with new signage and an associated leaflet.<br />
Problems with anti-social behaviour such as motor biking or fly-tipping are<br />
extremely rare, but conflicts can occur occasionally when horse-riders or mountain<br />
bikers stray <strong>of</strong> the bridleway network onto footpaths. Horse-riders and dogs can<br />
also come into conflict.<br />
Sawmill site<br />
The sawmill site returned to City Council <strong>management</strong> in early 2006, after 12 years<br />
under lease to a private business.<br />
Apart from providing a setting for various wood-based businesses, this area now<br />
provides the basic functions <strong>of</strong> a visitor information point through the associated<br />
retail outlet/gallery, as well as an ideal location for hosting and/or starting<br />
community events, activities and training, and delivering projects with schools and<br />
other education work. A pedestrian link between the sawmill site and the woodland<br />
was completed in 2006, and a disabled toilet installed. However, at present, use <strong>of</strong><br />
the toilet facilities is limited generally to the opening times <strong>of</strong> the retail outlet.<br />
A feasibility study considering the future use <strong>of</strong> the site was completed in 2004<br />
following in-depth consultation with key stakeholder groups, and can be viewed at:<br />
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/trees-woodlands/ecclesall-<strong>woods</strong><br />
The agreed primary aims are:<br />
• To provide small to medium scale visitor facilities, including an<br />
information/orientation point and toilets<br />
• To provide a dedicated staff/Ranger presence<br />
• To provide a related programme <strong>of</strong> education, interpretation and training<br />
• To provide purpose-built workshops for wood craft businesses, furniture makers,<br />
etc<br />
• To provide a retail outlet for both high and low quality sustainable wood products<br />
Figure 1.11 provides an indicative vision for the site taken from the feasibility<br />
28
study.<br />
Realising the vision will be one <strong>of</strong> the Key aspirations for the <strong>management</strong><br />
<strong>plan</strong> over the next five years.<br />
Seating<br />
Woodland benches are present throughout the woodland having been increased<br />
substantially since 2001, partly through donations for memorial benches<br />
Car parking and highway crossings<br />
Formal car parking is available on the western edge <strong>of</strong> Abbey Lane, within the<br />
sawmill site and at Limb Lane picnic site. Abbey Lane is the most popular place for<br />
visitors to park. Many visitors also park on Whirlowdale Road, dividing Woods 1<br />
and 2, and to a lesser extent on Abbeydale Road South and Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Glen Road, to<br />
access Wood 3. All the parking facilities are in good condition, except those at the<br />
sawmill site that require an upgrade.<br />
There is no specific parking provision for the disabled. However, the ease <strong>of</strong><br />
parking close to main access points is considered to meet the needs <strong>of</strong> all<br />
members <strong>of</strong> the community.<br />
Finally, with the woodland bisected by highways, road crossing by site users can be<br />
an issue. A formalised crossing is present between Woods 1 and 2, and a proper<br />
pedestrian crossing is present on Abbey Lane, a little below the <strong>woods</strong>, and can be<br />
used to cross between Woods 2 and 3. However, its position is a little inconvenient,<br />
and it is clear from the 2006 visitor survey that the crossing <strong>of</strong> Abbey Lane between<br />
Woods 2 and 3 is a serious concern for users. Parks and Countryside takes these<br />
concerns seriously, and will encourage Highway Services to address this issue as a<br />
matter <strong>of</strong> priority<br />
(iii) Perceptions <strong>of</strong> the site by the community<br />
The five main things that attracted visitors to the woodland in the 2006 survey were:<br />
• it’s a good place to walk the dog;<br />
• it’s local / convenient;<br />
• nature / wildlife;<br />
• peace and quiet;<br />
• and the woodland’s beauty<br />
Almost all <strong>of</strong> those surveyed responded that they had used the signed paths and<br />
trails within the <strong>woods</strong> and almost three quarters <strong>of</strong> these felt that the route marking<br />
was good or very good. In addition to this over three quarters felt that the trail<br />
surfacing was good or very good. Generally those interviewed were pleased with<br />
the facilities and services however many felt that Abbey Lane was very dangerous<br />
and required a crossing. There was also a strong demand for dog waste bins and<br />
a reasonable demand for more benches and improvements to information boards<br />
and signs. Other improvements suggested were continued path maintenance and<br />
enforcement <strong>of</strong> the bridleway and footpath regulations.<br />
Most <strong>of</strong> those surveyed were aware <strong>of</strong> work that had been carried out in the last<br />
five years and many commented on path and tree maintenance, and to a lesser<br />
29
extent the improved signage. Visitors were also relatively aware <strong>of</strong> the important<br />
wildlife and heritage aspects <strong>of</strong> the <strong>woods</strong>. The bird sanctuary was most commonly<br />
mentioned but the <strong>woods</strong>' charcoal industry history was also well known. The<br />
majority <strong>of</strong> respondents rated the <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods as very good or<br />
good.<br />
Just over half <strong>of</strong> those surveyed were aware <strong>of</strong> the work <strong>of</strong> the Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall<br />
Woods, and were aware <strong>of</strong> the <strong>plan</strong>s to regenerate the sawmill site on Abbey Lane.<br />
The high number <strong>of</strong> local responses, and similarity <strong>of</strong> those surveyed in terms <strong>of</strong><br />
ethnicity, age and reasons for visiting the <strong>woods</strong> may be linked to the survey period<br />
being late in the year (October-November) when visitor numbers are likely to be<br />
more restricted. A spring or summer survey may gather responses from visitors<br />
from further a-field and gather a wider range <strong>of</strong> responses.<br />
Further survey during the Spring is recommended during the life-time <strong>of</strong> this <strong>plan</strong>.<br />
(v) Interpretation, educational and training provision and programmes<br />
Interpretation<br />
Site signage is present at all primary site entrances and many <strong>of</strong> the secondary<br />
ones, with ownership and contact details. Six interpretative panels are strategically<br />
placed around the woodland at the primary site entrances, with associated notice<br />
boards used to advertise forthcoming events, etc<br />
The bird sanctuary is clearly marked around its boundaries, whilst the Wood<br />
Colliers memorial in Wood 2, and several other archaeological features in this part<br />
<strong>of</strong> the woodland are promoted through the Archaeological Trail leaflet and<br />
associated signage. A leaflet entitled “A seasonal walk through Ecclesall Woods” is<br />
also available. Refer to Section 1.6 for more detail on these.<br />
Education, events and training<br />
Ecclesall Woods has a long history in providing a setting for interpretation and<br />
education.<br />
The woodland provided the focus for a national conference on ancient woodlands<br />
in 1992 by <strong>Sheffield</strong> Hallam <strong>University</strong>, and was used by the Small Woodlands<br />
Association as part <strong>of</strong> their national conference in 1999. It is used regularly by the<br />
two <strong>Sheffield</strong> Universities, local colleges and Losehill Hall - the Peak District<br />
National Park Study Centre at Castleton - for education and training purposes. As<br />
such the woodland has been visited by or is known about by many within the<br />
countryside and woodland pr<strong>of</strong>ession nationally.<br />
Parks and Countryside provide an annual programme <strong>of</strong> community events and<br />
activities, and deliver targeted work with schools from across <strong>Sheffield</strong> in the<br />
woodland. In addition, an education pack for local schools is also available (refer to<br />
Section 1.6 for more information). In addition, the woodland is used weekly for<br />
health walks by the Ranger Service.<br />
(iv) Alternatives and enhancement measures<br />
30
Based on the above, the following key improvements are proposed for the next five<br />
years:<br />
• Aspire to achieve the full vision for the sawmill site, particularly the aspirations for<br />
site based staff, expanded visitor facilities (including toilet facilities open every day),<br />
and related interpretative information. Greater effort is also needed to raise<br />
awareness <strong>of</strong> the developing project here, through an associated and enlarged<br />
programme <strong>of</strong> community events, open days, training courses; greater publicity;<br />
and continuing public and stakeholder consultation and participation in the<br />
associated master-<strong>plan</strong>ning and feasibility work<br />
• To maintain and where necessary extend the improvements to the rights <strong>of</strong> way<br />
network and associated signage achieved over the last five years<br />
• To provide dog bins at primary site entrances<br />
• To provide more benches where needed<br />
• To vigorously advocate a pedestrian crossing between Woods 2 and 3, in liaison<br />
with Highway Services<br />
• To update interpretative information and materials as appropriate<br />
• To raise greater awareness <strong>of</strong> the role and activities <strong>of</strong> the Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall<br />
Woods through more regular joint publicity with the City Council and others; greater<br />
support for events, etc; increased use <strong>of</strong> the developing visitor facilities in the<br />
sawmill site to improve marketing <strong>of</strong> the group; development <strong>of</strong> a FEW web page,<br />
etc<br />
• To provide educational events and activities that will reduce conflict between<br />
walkers, cyclists and horse-riders, supported by appropriate policing <strong>of</strong> the site<br />
byelaws by the City Council<br />
1.2.6 Community involvement<br />
The local and wider community have long been involved in the care and<br />
<strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods.<br />
In 1993, the Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods (FEW) was inaugurated. It currently has a<br />
membership <strong>of</strong> around 160 mainly local people and produces a newsletter four<br />
times a year. The Friends provide a focal point for communicating the local<br />
community's concerns and interests about the woodland to the Council, with regular<br />
liaison through site visits, telephone conversations, attendance by Officers at FEW<br />
committee meetings as necessary, and attendance at the FEW AGM. The Dore<br />
Village Society (established in the 1960’s registered as a charity in 1993, with 1100<br />
members) also has a keen interest in the area, particularly Wood 3.<br />
FEW regularly undertake ecological survey and archaeological survey, and help<br />
greatly in the on-going programme <strong>of</strong> path maintenance and improvements,<br />
amongst many other things. FEW have also been increasingly successful in<br />
attracting both City Council and other funding, particularly through the Lottery<br />
funded Local Heritage Initiative.<br />
Parks and Countryside is very keen to promote the further development and<br />
success <strong>of</strong> FEW and will continue to support it and other community groups in as<br />
many ways as possible. The community are kept informed <strong>of</strong> all proposed major or<br />
potentially contentious <strong>management</strong> work, as well as events, etc through the<br />
provision <strong>of</strong> appropriate site notices, press releases, individual letters to residents,<br />
and contributions to the FEW newsletter and “Dore to Dore” , newsletter <strong>of</strong> the Dore<br />
Village Society, circulated to thousands <strong>of</strong> local residents several times a year<br />
31
Many other natural history groups use the site regularly for study and monitoring,<br />
for example, the Sorby Natural History Group and <strong>Sheffield</strong> Bird Study Group. The<br />
woodland has long been used for research and study by local schools, and<br />
universities, particularly <strong>Sheffield</strong> Hallam, who have gathered considerable<br />
information on the ecological, social and historic interest <strong>of</strong> the area.<br />
1.3 Environmental Value<br />
1.3.1 Physical<br />
The following sub-sections are mostly taken from Avison and Rotherham (1998).<br />
(a) Hydrology<br />
Drainage is generally in an east-south-east direction, with the Limb Brook<br />
forming a permanent stream feature in Wood 3. Figure 1.12 indicates<br />
streams, and drainage ditches within the site, which all ultimately feed into the<br />
River Sheaf.<br />
Changes in the local water balance have occurred as a result <strong>of</strong> changes in<br />
surrounding land-use, through urbanisation in the last 100 years, as well as<br />
increased drainage within the woodland during the eighteenth and nineteenth<br />
centuries. It is thought that the reduction in water input that has occurred is unlikely<br />
to have had a significant impact upon the woodland ecology along the Limb Brook<br />
corridor (Griffith 1996).<br />
However, away from public rights <strong>of</strong> way, etc some <strong>of</strong> the internal drains have been<br />
allowed to backfill and the woodland may be becoming increasingly re-wetted in<br />
limited places. Several drains, particularly those near the woodland's boundaries<br />
are maintained on a regular basis to prevent flooding <strong>of</strong> adjoining properties, and<br />
indeed several were repaired and their capacity increased in 1999 to reduce<br />
flooding along Abbeydale Road.<br />
Data provided by the Environment Agency (1999), who monitor the Limb Brook on<br />
a regular basis, indicates that short-lived pollution incidents occur during periods <strong>of</strong><br />
heavy rainfall, probably from storm water overflows discharging into the Limb Brook<br />
and from field run-<strong>of</strong>f and other farming origins. Ochreous deposits are found in the<br />
Limb Brook and its feeder streams. These emanate from the surrounding bedrock<br />
and the former Dore Colliery. The Coal Authority is currently assessing the level <strong>of</strong><br />
pollution associated with this and formulating approaches to reducing it<br />
The water quality in other streams within the wood is thought to be generally good.<br />
32
(b) Topography<br />
From a height <strong>of</strong> around 110 m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD) along the eastern<br />
edge <strong>of</strong> the woodland adjoining Abbeydale Road South, ground levels rise to over<br />
c175 m AOD at the bird sanctuary in the south-west and by the entrance from Cow<br />
Lane in the north-west. The rising ground is punctuated by the channels and<br />
valleys <strong>of</strong> a series <strong>of</strong> streams flowing into the River Sheaf. The largest <strong>of</strong> these<br />
streams is the Limb Brook, whose valley forms steep high slopes below the southwest<br />
sides <strong>of</strong> the bird sanctuary. To the west <strong>of</strong> the bird sanctuary, Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Glen<br />
rises to a height <strong>of</strong> around 200 m AOD by the A625 Hathersage Road. The<br />
Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Brook, a tributary <strong>of</strong> the Limb Brook, runs from a western arm <strong>of</strong> the<br />
woodland which rises to a height <strong>of</strong> around 200 m AOD by the entrance from Limb<br />
Lane (Arrowsmith, 1999).<br />
(c) Geology, geomorphology and hydro-geology<br />
The solid geology consists <strong>of</strong> strata belonging to the Lower Coal Measures Series<br />
(Westphalian A series) <strong>of</strong> the Silesian stage <strong>of</strong> the Upper Carboniferous period.<br />
These strata comprise conformable beds <strong>of</strong> greenish-brown sandstones, blue-grey<br />
mudstones and black shales with coal seams and their attendant seat-earths<br />
beneath them. The strata dip gently towards the south-east at an angle <strong>of</strong> about 5<br />
degrees.<br />
Figure 1.13 depicts the underlying geology across the site.<br />
(d) Pedology<br />
During the 16th and 17th centuries the soils within the woodland are believed to<br />
have been substantially disrupted by the stripping <strong>of</strong> topsoil for charcoal and white<br />
coal production.<br />
The large areas <strong>of</strong> markedly acid soils <strong>of</strong> around pH 3.2 that are found throughout<br />
the woodland typically have a very thin 'A' horizon or top layer <strong>of</strong> approximately 2-4<br />
cm presumably because <strong>of</strong> this disruption. Soil nutrient levels for <strong>plan</strong>ts tend to be<br />
very low. In the few remaining wet areas, where disruption appears not to have<br />
occurred to any degree, neutral to slightly base rich soils (averaging around pH 7)<br />
have developed into deeper, brown earths, typically with an 'A' or surface horizon <strong>of</strong><br />
approximately 4 - 15 cm in depth and increased available soil nutrient levels for<br />
<strong>plan</strong>ts.<br />
(e) Climate<br />
The following data is from the Weston Park weather station, <strong>Sheffield</strong>, the nearest<br />
meteorological station to the site. The figures are based on 30 year averages.<br />
Temperature January July<br />
Average (Celsius) 4.0 16.6<br />
Rainfall<br />
Average (mm) 88 51<br />
33
1.3.2 Biodiversity<br />
Overview<br />
This section summarises the most significant animals and <strong>plan</strong>ts recorded from<br />
Ecclesall Woods. A full list <strong>of</strong> <strong>plan</strong>t species recorded is included within Appendix 2.<br />
Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Reports 1 and 2 (DETR, 1995) have set the<br />
priorities for species and habitat protection for the foreseeable future. The species<br />
included are sub-divided into three lists – long, middle and short – with the latter<br />
two <strong>of</strong> most importance. The Steering Group advise that specific <strong>management</strong><br />
recommendations for species focus on those included in the short and middle list,<br />
whilst noting the presence <strong>of</strong> those in the long list and directing more general<br />
<strong>management</strong> prescriptions towards their conservation.<br />
At the local level, the <strong>Sheffield</strong> Nature Conservation Strategy (SCC, 1991)<br />
highlights both Priority Habitats and Critical Wildlife Species in either Grade A or B<br />
local Red Data Book lists. However, this has now been partially superseded by the<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> Local Biodiversity Action Plan, 2001 (LBAP)<br />
The following UK and <strong>Sheffield</strong> BAP species and habitats have been recorded at<br />
the site:<br />
Priority Type<br />
UK BAP Priorities<br />
(short and middle<br />
lists)<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> LBAP<br />
Priorities<br />
Species Habitat<br />
White-clawed<br />
Crayfish<br />
Song Thrush<br />
Bullfinch<br />
Spotted Flycatcher<br />
Pipistrelle Bat<br />
Water Vole<br />
Bluebell<br />
Liverwort Lejeunea<br />
lamacerina<br />
Common Frog,<br />
Common Toad,<br />
Grass Snake<br />
Over 20 bird species<br />
Daubenton’s,<br />
Noctule,<br />
Whiskered/Brandts,<br />
Soprano Bats,<br />
Badger<br />
Hedgehog,<br />
Common and Pygmy<br />
Shrew<br />
Local Red Data Climbing Corydalis<br />
34<br />
Wet woodland<br />
Wet woodland<br />
Ancient woodland<br />
Veteran Trees<br />
Scrub<br />
Rivers and Streams<br />
Standing Water
(a) Fungi<br />
Priority Type<br />
Species Habitat<br />
lists Alder Buckthorn<br />
Toothwort<br />
Wild Daffodil<br />
Yellow Rattle<br />
Sanicle<br />
Early Dog Violet<br />
Specific <strong>management</strong> for these species is included in Sections 3 and 4.<br />
Over 170 species have been recorded from Ecclesall Woods, found in a variety <strong>of</strong><br />
habitats including deadwood, leaf litter, and the various tree and shrub species<br />
present within the site (Lyon, 1997). All are <strong>of</strong> local importance.<br />
(b) Flowering <strong>plan</strong>ts and ferns<br />
The flowering <strong>plan</strong>ts <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods have been comprehensively recorded over<br />
many decades. To date, 421 species have been recorded.<br />
In general, the majority <strong>of</strong> the site can be provisionally assigned to the<br />
National Vegetation Classification (NVC) community W10 Quercus robus –<br />
Pteridium aquilinum - Rubus fruticosus and to a lesser extent, W16 Quercus<br />
spp - Betula spp - Deschampsia flexuosa woodland (Rodwell 1991). Refer to<br />
Figure 1.14.<br />
Where W10 is dominant, the canopy comprises a varied mix <strong>of</strong> mature Oak, both<br />
Sessile and hybrids with Pedunculate, as well as localised concentrations <strong>of</strong> Sweet<br />
Chestnut , European Larch and Scots Pine, over a varied open shrub layer<br />
characterised by mature Holly some <strong>of</strong> which is hybridised to Highclere Holly (Ilex x<br />
altaclerensis). Major storm damage in 1962 opened up the canopy, allowing for<br />
natural regeneration <strong>of</strong> Silver Birch and Oak in particular, typically with Rowan and<br />
Sweet Chestnut.<br />
The field layer is generally species poor, typically comprising Bluebell, S<strong>of</strong>t<br />
Creeping-grass, Honeysuckle, Bramble, Broad Buckler Fern and Bracken, with<br />
localised concentrations <strong>of</strong> other herbs like Wood Anemone, Yellow Archangel and<br />
Greater Stitchwort on richer damper soils<br />
More acid soils, particularly those on steep-ground or perhaps most affected by<br />
human activities, are characterised by W16 communities, where Wavy Hair-grass,<br />
and occasionally Heather, Bilberry and Great Woodrush are typical. Bare ground<br />
can be frequent in these areas.<br />
The frequent flush lines, streams and drainage ditches crossing the woodland are<br />
characterised by narrow belts <strong>of</strong> Common Alder, with Ash and Sycamore, as well<br />
as frequent Hazel. These support a diverse field layer dominated by Lesser<br />
Celandine, with a wide range <strong>of</strong> associated herbs like Wood Anemone, Red<br />
Campion, Yellow Pimpernel, Meadowsweet, Bugle, Opposite-leaved Goldensaxifrage,<br />
and Tufted Hair-grass. More unusual <strong>plan</strong>ts like Common Valerian,<br />
Pendulous Sedge, Sanicle, Remote Sedge and Floating Sweet-grass are present in<br />
places in these stands. These areas form a mosaic <strong>of</strong> the NVC communities W7<br />
35
Alnus glutinosa - Fraxinus excelsior - Lysimachia nemorum and W8 Fraxinus<br />
excelsior - Acer campestre - Mercuralis perennis woodland. W7 woodland is<br />
classed as “wet woodland” within the UK BAP and a Key Habitat.<br />
The best marginal aquatic flora within the site is found in the silted-up Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Mill<br />
pond, with species including Water Forget-me-not, Skullcap and Common Valerian<br />
(Firkins, 1987).<br />
Where Beech forms extensive, dense stands, the original Oak-birch communities<br />
have been modified into NVC W15 Fagus sylvatica - Deschampsia flexuosa<br />
woodland, where bare ground and a sparse shrub layer can be prevalent.<br />
A small area <strong>of</strong> rank neutral grassland with scrub and young trees is present just<br />
north <strong>of</strong> the bird sanctuary.<br />
A range <strong>of</strong> garden escapes and other deliberately <strong>plan</strong>ted ornamental species are<br />
present within the site, particularly along the woodland margins, like Snowberry.<br />
More invasive species like Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed are present<br />
in localised concentrations along watercourses and in damp areas, whilst<br />
Rhododendron is occasional around the bird sanctuary and elsewhere, and Cherry<br />
Laurel is present in small quantities, mainly in Wood 1.<br />
Overall, the woodland supports a large number <strong>of</strong> ancient woodland <strong>plan</strong>t indicators<br />
(Peterken, 1993).<br />
Nine common ferns have been recorded from the woodland, with Bracken (and<br />
Broad Buckler Fern) the most frequent.<br />
(c) Bryophytes and lichens<br />
Sixteen liverworts, and forty-two mosses have been recorded (Rotherham and<br />
Jones, 1997). In general, the bryophyte flora is poor. Those that do occur are<br />
found predominantly in damp ditches, on gritstone boulders/walls, or rotting wood,<br />
fallen trees and tree bases, with the richest communities found in and along the<br />
streams and stream banks.<br />
Several <strong>of</strong> the species present may be relicts <strong>of</strong> the ancient woodland: the<br />
Lejeunea - Heterocladium - Homalis community <strong>of</strong> streamside rocks is not common<br />
locally, and is sensitive to disturbance, especially loss <strong>of</strong> tree cover, suggesting its<br />
presence at Ecclesall Woods is relictual. The presence <strong>of</strong> Leptodontium flexifolium<br />
is also unusual. Its characteristic habitat is well-drained peaty soil. Dicranum<br />
montanum remains rare in N England (this is its only record from SW Yorkshire). It<br />
was recorded as an epiphyte on Birch.<br />
A baseline survey <strong>of</strong> lichens <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods was undertaken by Gilbert in 1993<br />
(Rotherham and Jones, 1997) and forty-two species were recorded although many<br />
in only very small amounts. Lichens are generally distributed throughout the wood,<br />
but wetter areas are distinctly richer due to the wider range <strong>of</strong> tree species they<br />
support. A few pollution-tolerant species are abundant, but the majority are rare or<br />
very rare. These included Cladonia caespiticia, found on a single tree stump, which<br />
has only three records from Derbyshire, and was not previously known from South<br />
Yorkshire. This record is from the southern half <strong>of</strong> Wood 1.<br />
36
Overall, the epiphytic lichen flora <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods is still severely impoverished<br />
by sulphur dioxide air pollution, which continues to halt the spread <strong>of</strong> intolerant<br />
species.<br />
(d) Invertebrates<br />
420 species (including 11 bugs, 14 beetles, 15 butterflies, 220 moths, 2 crane flies,<br />
38 hoverflies, 23 other flies, and over 100 spider species) have been recorded from<br />
Ecclesall Woods (Sorby Invertebrate Database, 2006). As such, the site is included<br />
on English Nature’s Invertebrate Site Register. The following species are<br />
Regionally Notable (NB):<br />
The crab spider Philodromus praedatus (1980), found on the lower branches <strong>of</strong><br />
large Oaks near woodland edges; the fly Suillia dumicala (1970, 1980), found on<br />
woodland and open moorland, which probably develops in fungi; the hoverfly<br />
Sphegina verecunda, (1980-93), found in shaded areas near streams and probably<br />
living in deadwood, the hoverfly Didea fasciata (1989); and the micro-moth Anglestriped<br />
Sallow (1965-91) which occurs in mature Birch woodland, the larva feeding<br />
on Birch.<br />
A wide variety <strong>of</strong> species which are Local in the UK have also been recorded, and<br />
highlight the value <strong>of</strong> deadwood, damp areas, open glades and rides and species<br />
rich, graded woodland margins.<br />
The three hoverflies Brachypalporides lenta, Criorhina berberina and C.floccosa are<br />
all considered ancient woodland indicators (Stubbs, 1982). All three depend on<br />
dead and rotting wood (Whiteley, pers-comm, 1999).<br />
Important characteristics for this large group include a varied woodland structure,<br />
glades, standing and fallen deadwood, graded woodland edges, wet ditches,<br />
flushes and streams, and gradation into other semi-natural habitats like unimproved<br />
grassland. Nectar sources such as Blackthorn, Bramble, Hawthorn, Rose and<br />
Willow are all valuable (Kirby, 1992).<br />
(e) Amphibians, fish and reptiles<br />
Common Toad, Common Frog and Grass Snake have all been recorded from<br />
Ecclesall Woods, with Grass Snake thought to breed in the sawmill site.<br />
(f) Crustaceans<br />
(f) Birds<br />
White-clawed Crayfish, a globally threatened species included in Annex II and V <strong>of</strong><br />
the EC Habitats Directive, has been recorded in the Limb Brook (Ecology Unit,<br />
2006).<br />
It lives in holes in the waterside banks or beneath large stones. Excessive<br />
disturbance from recreational use <strong>of</strong> waterside areas may affect the species.<br />
Survey work is needed to assess its full status at the site, and to develop<br />
associated <strong>management</strong> recommendations.<br />
37
The bird population <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods has been recorded over many decades and<br />
continues to be regularly monitored by the <strong>Sheffield</strong> Bird Study Group. At present,<br />
around 42 species are resident, <strong>of</strong> which 21 are breeding, whilst 14 migrants are<br />
regularly recorded, <strong>of</strong> which 4 breed (Medforth and Rotherham 1990).<br />
Overall, the bird life is fairly typical <strong>of</strong> mature broad-leaved woodland on the Coal<br />
Measures: The majority <strong>of</strong> the woodland is mature and as such supports breeding,<br />
populations <strong>of</strong> Sparrowhawk, Great and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Tawny Owl,<br />
Treecreeper, Blue and Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jay and Chiffchaff. More unusual, and<br />
with exception <strong>of</strong> the first, non-breeding, are records for Pied Flycatcher, Redstart<br />
and Wood Warbler, particularly from the mature Oak stands to the north-west <strong>of</strong> the<br />
bird sanctuary.<br />
The dense bramble found within many parts <strong>of</strong> the site is important nesting habitat<br />
for Wren, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Dunnock, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Song Thrush,<br />
Willow Warbler and Robin, especially along woodland edges. The wet, marshy<br />
ground along the streams, ditches and around the abandoned Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Mill is<br />
probably attractive to Willow Tit and Woodcock, and in the case <strong>of</strong> the disused<br />
millpond, Mallard, Heron, (and Kingfisher). The areas <strong>of</strong> mature Beech, provide<br />
autumn feed for birds like Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Brambling, whilst the scattered<br />
Scots Pine and European Larch are <strong>of</strong> value to Coal Tit and Goldcrest.<br />
A Bird Sanctuary, covering 17 hectares, was established within Wood 3 in 1929<br />
and is surrounded by a post and wire fence. Since inception the area has been<br />
managed under a minimal intervention policy and is not open to the public. Since<br />
2002 a small heronry has developed in the sanctuary, with seven pairs nesting in<br />
2006.<br />
An annual Common Bird Census <strong>of</strong> the bird sanctuary and Wood 2 has been<br />
undertaken since 2000.<br />
(g) Mammals<br />
Nineteen species have been recorded since 1980, including Water Vole along the<br />
Limb Brook, together with Pipistrelle Bat, Whiskered/Brandts Bat, Soprano<br />
Pipistrelle and Noctule Bat, Badger, Hedgehog, Roe and Red Deer, as well as<br />
Wood Mouse, Bank Vole, Rabbit, Grey Squirrel, Brown Rat, Common and Pygmy<br />
Shrew, Mole and Fox. Water Shrew is thought to be present (Rotherham,<br />
pers.comm, 2000).<br />
The present status <strong>of</strong> Water Vole at the site is unclear and re-survey is<br />
recommended.<br />
A growing number <strong>of</strong> badger setts are found within the site. The setts are regularly<br />
monitored by the South Yorkshire Badger Group. At present no specific habitat<br />
<strong>management</strong> is needed to improve the site for this species, and no special<br />
protection measures are required as persecution is not an issue (South Yorkshire<br />
Badger Group, pers.comm, 2006).<br />
38
1.3.3 Silvicultural assessment, evaluation and <strong>management</strong> options<br />
Introduction<br />
Ecclesall Woods is predominantly ancient Oak-birch woodland, although greatly<br />
modified from the nineteenth century by <strong>plan</strong>ting <strong>of</strong> introduced species like Beech,<br />
Sweet Chestnut and Larch. The woodland around Limb Lane car park and Whirlow<br />
playing fields is characterised by recent mixed <strong>plan</strong>tations established since the<br />
1960’s, whilst Square Plantation and much <strong>of</strong> the woodland to the west <strong>of</strong> the Limb<br />
Brook originates from nineteenth century <strong>plan</strong>ting on open ground.<br />
The majority <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods can be assigned to the National Vegetation<br />
Classification types W10, with areas <strong>of</strong> W16 on the more acid soils.<br />
In the national context, the obvious feature <strong>of</strong> the field layer <strong>of</strong> W10 woodland is its<br />
general species poverty, with Bluebell, Bracken, Bramble and Honeysuckle<br />
representing the dominant species. Lush swards <strong>of</strong> Creeping S<strong>of</strong>t-grass are also<br />
characteristic (Rodwell, 1991). In common parlance, these are "Bluebell <strong>woods</strong>"<br />
with Bluebell forming the commonest vernal dominant. In the latter, Wavy Hairgrass<br />
and Bracken is predominant, whilst Heather (and Bilberry) can occur on the<br />
most acid sites, as within parts <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods. However, this simplified picture<br />
is blurred within Ecclesall Woods by intensive <strong>management</strong> for charcoal and<br />
whitecoal, which through the use <strong>of</strong> turves in the production process has altered the<br />
woodland soils and drastically impoverished the ground vegetation as a result.<br />
The traditional <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> NVC W10 oak<strong>woods</strong> has been coppicing and<br />
extensive records for this practice survive for Ecclesall Woods. Nationally, it is clear<br />
that where silvicultural <strong>management</strong> has ceased, these woodland types have<br />
become progressively shadier with the loss <strong>of</strong> distinctive post-coppice floras,<br />
associated with NVC W10 in particular (Rodwell 1991), and certain characteristic<br />
fauna.<br />
The present day Ecclesall Woods is not characterised by any extensive abandoned<br />
coppice. Coppicing was already in decline by the early nineteenth century, and the<br />
woodland was slowly being transformed through the <strong>plan</strong>ting <strong>of</strong> generally<br />
introduced species and the singling <strong>of</strong> old coppice stools, promoting a radical<br />
change to high forest. Later, the woodland was seriously affected by storm<br />
damage in 1962, resulting in the windthrow <strong>of</strong> blocks <strong>of</strong> mature trees throughout.<br />
Many <strong>of</strong> these areas have now filled with Birch - dominated natural regeneration.<br />
As such, the present woodland structure is a mixture <strong>of</strong> singled old coppice stools,<br />
mature <strong>plan</strong>ted trees, coppice "standards" retained beyond their original rotation<br />
and recent natural regeneration.<br />
Whilst the reinstatement <strong>of</strong> coppicing on an extensive scale is considered<br />
unrealistic and inappropriate (English Nature 1997), other methods <strong>of</strong> felling and<br />
regenerating mature woodland, for example, thinning and group-felling, can mimic<br />
the effects <strong>of</strong> coppicing on the woodland flora and produce a structurally diverse<br />
woodland, with knock-on benefits for wildlife (Peterken 1993). However, providing a<br />
suitable, small area that demonstrates traditional coppice <strong>management</strong> is<br />
worthwhile for interpretation, and as such, coppice with standards <strong>management</strong><br />
was re-introduced to a small part on Wood 1 in the early 1990’s.<br />
39
Additional interest is created by base rich flushes, drainage ditches and<br />
streamsides along the Limb Brook and elsewhere which typically support a mix <strong>of</strong><br />
both the NVC type W7 and W8 woodland, characterised by Ash, Alder, (and Wych<br />
Elm), Hazel, (and Guelder Rose), and a more diverse field layer. Sycamore is now<br />
frequent within many <strong>of</strong> these areas.<br />
In accordance with national woodland policies (Forestry Commission, 1998;<br />
UKWAS, 2006) the introduction <strong>of</strong> further non-native species is not recommended,<br />
as this will only serve to further dilute the historic meaning and wildlife value <strong>of</strong> this<br />
ancient woodland. In the long-term, the proportions <strong>of</strong> introduced species should<br />
be reduced, whilst bearing in mind that many <strong>of</strong> the introduced species are long<br />
established and form part <strong>of</strong> the cultural history and aesthetic appeal <strong>of</strong> the<br />
woodland. Long-term removal should not be the goal, but rather a gradual shift to a<br />
greater semi-natural character where required and practical.<br />
Recent silvicultural <strong>management</strong><br />
Following the 1962 storm and the resulting windthrown damage, a number <strong>of</strong> small<br />
<strong>plan</strong>tations were established within the openings created, including a wide variety<br />
<strong>of</strong> species, for example, Sitka Spruce and Beech. Only a few signs <strong>of</strong> these<br />
<strong>plan</strong>tations survive and their impact on the woodland has been limited. Most <strong>of</strong> the<br />
areas windthrow have now filled with dense Birch-dominated pole-stage natural<br />
regeneration.<br />
In 1982 an experimental glade was created in Wood 2 as part <strong>of</strong> a research project<br />
by the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sheffield</strong> (Gilbert 1982). This has now infilled with dense Birch<br />
and Oak regeneration.<br />
During the previous <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong>, active silvicultural <strong>management</strong> was reintroduced<br />
to the woodland after an absence <strong>of</strong> 100 years. Beech dominated<br />
stands within Wood 3 (Compartment 116g) was thinned, helping to diversify the<br />
structure, kick-start the regeneration process and encouraged the recovery <strong>of</strong> the<br />
severely impoverished ground layer, with knock-on benefits for wildlife. The other<br />
areas <strong>of</strong> beech woodland (Compartments 114b and 115b) have been affected by<br />
safety related tree works, helping to open the canopy and encourage extensive<br />
regeneration <strong>of</strong> predominantly native trees, and some recovery <strong>of</strong> the ground layer,<br />
especially in compartment 114b. Parts <strong>of</strong> the Sessile Oak-birch stands in Wood 2<br />
(Compartment 114a) were also thinned to favour the development <strong>of</strong> the better<br />
trees, and reduce the proportion <strong>of</strong> Sycamore, whilst the recent <strong>plan</strong>tations at Limb<br />
Lane (Compartment 116a) and Whirlow playing fields (Compartment 116b) were<br />
thinned for the first time.<br />
In 1994, an experimental coppice with standards area was developed in Wood 1<br />
(Compartment 115d), but follow-up <strong>management</strong> was intermittent. During the<br />
previous <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong> the area was brought back into active <strong>management</strong><br />
through the <strong>plan</strong>ting <strong>of</strong> additional shrubs/coppice and the periodic manual control <strong>of</strong><br />
bracken and bramble. Continued control <strong>of</strong> competing vegetation will be needed<br />
over this <strong>plan</strong> period to allow the developing coppice to become properly<br />
established, and gradually shade out the bramble, etc. In the next 10 years, a<br />
reduction in the number <strong>of</strong> standards would be useful, to allow more light to reach<br />
the coppice and field layers.<br />
Tree work related to health and safety is an on-going part <strong>of</strong> the site’s maintenance<br />
programme, and in the last two decades has helped to develop an impressive<br />
40
standing and fallen deadwood resource for a variety <strong>of</strong> wildlife, whilst generally<br />
adding to the amenity <strong>of</strong> the site.<br />
Future Management Options<br />
• Neutral Sessile Oak - Birch woodland<br />
Much <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods (Compartments 114a, 114c, 115a, 115e, and 116f) is<br />
dominated by the above stand type (NVC W10), although affected to different<br />
degrees by <strong>plan</strong>ting. Mature Oak is characteristic, with a frequently well-developed<br />
sub-canopy <strong>of</strong> pole-stage, 30-40 year old Birch dominated regeneration which has<br />
developed following the 1962 storm. Where storm damage was more extensive, the<br />
pole-stage trees form the canopy. Small amounts <strong>of</strong> advance regeneration are<br />
present in places.<br />
In terms <strong>of</strong> future <strong>management</strong>, thinning <strong>of</strong> the denser areas <strong>of</strong> pole-stage trees<br />
would be beneficial to promote healthy crown development, timber potential and a<br />
desired mix <strong>of</strong> species, at the same time favouring shrub (and field) layer species.<br />
This would continue the work started in compartment 114a in the previous<br />
<strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong>. Some selective thinning <strong>of</strong> the mature canopy, especially<br />
around large-crowned locally native trees would encourage their longevity, seed<br />
production and the further development <strong>of</strong> advance regeneration, but this should be<br />
limited as many <strong>of</strong> the mature Oak trees are remnants <strong>of</strong> the coppice with<br />
standards <strong>management</strong> system prevalent until the mid-nineteenth century, and are<br />
<strong>of</strong> high ecological and heritage value.<br />
• Acid Sessile Oak-Birch woodland<br />
A large stand <strong>of</strong> acid Oak-Birch woodland (Compartment 116j) is present along a<br />
steep, west-facing scarp in Wood 3, characterised by NVC type W16, but possibly<br />
grading into W17 (u<strong>plan</strong>d Oak wood). This area appears to have been little<br />
affected by <strong>plan</strong>tation forestry, containing very few introduced species and a great<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> shape and form. It may have derived directly from abandoned coppice.<br />
Light thinning around the larger crowned Oak and other native species may<br />
promote the development <strong>of</strong> advance regeneration, which could then be favoured<br />
by gradual group-felling.<br />
Mixed coniferous/broadleaved woodland<br />
Within Compartments 115f and 116f Scots (and Corsican) Pine, and European<br />
Larch form co-dominant parts <strong>of</strong> the canopy with Oak, Sycamore, and other<br />
occasional broadleaved species, giving these stands a unique character within<br />
Ecclesall Woods. Pole-stage regeneration <strong>of</strong> Birch, etc is occasional, whilst natural<br />
regeneration is generally rare.<br />
Whilst not all ancient woodland, <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> these areas should favour a<br />
gradual shift to a more semi-natural composition to help promote the wider wildlife<br />
value <strong>of</strong> the overall site. However, in general a pragmatic approach that involves<br />
thinning to the best-formed trees, and releasing any developing regeneration would<br />
be appropriate bearing the above in mind.<br />
41
Mature Beech woodland<br />
Compartments 114b, 115b, and 116g are dominated by mature Beech with very<br />
large, well-crowned over-mature Beech particularly characteristic <strong>of</strong> compartment<br />
114b. Overall, these stands are <strong>of</strong> very high amenity value. However, under<strong>management</strong><br />
until the mid-1990’s had left these areas with an increasingly closed,<br />
shady canopy <strong>of</strong> mostly mature trees, with frequent bare earth and very limited<br />
structural diversity.<br />
Within Compartment 114b tree safety felling and reduction over the last 10 years<br />
has allowed good patches <strong>of</strong> mixed broadleaved natural regeneration to develop,<br />
and the localised re-colonisation <strong>of</strong> a field layer. Safety work in Compartment 115b<br />
during 2005 will start this same process here.<br />
For these compartments the continuing gradual natural decline <strong>of</strong> the mature<br />
Beech will necessitate periodic tree safety works, simultaneously encouraging the<br />
gradual re-structuring <strong>of</strong> these stands, and is considered an appropriate way to<br />
achieve this without the need for formal thinning regimes. Areas <strong>of</strong> dense<br />
regenerating woodland should be respaced as necessary to encourage an<br />
appropriate mix <strong>of</strong> species. For compartment 116g, the tree-thinning operations <strong>of</strong><br />
2002 should be followed by further light thinning as and when necessary, to release<br />
the developing regeneration.<br />
Whilst Beech is not native within this part <strong>of</strong> Britain, it has formed part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
woodland's character for well over a century, and its form, shape and colour is<br />
greatly valued by visitors. However, as previously discussed the proportion <strong>of</strong><br />
Beech should be gradually reduced within these stands by encouraging mixed<br />
broadleaved regeneration more typical <strong>of</strong> the semi-natural vegetation communities<br />
<strong>of</strong> the local area such as Oak and Birch.<br />
Ash and Sycamore woodland<br />
Compartments 115c, 116L, and 116m are characterised by remnants <strong>of</strong> greatly<br />
modified wet woodland, with Sycamore predominant in an intimate mixture with<br />
Ash, Hazel, and occasional Alder. These areas support some <strong>of</strong> the richest <strong>plan</strong>t<br />
communities within the site, including a good variety <strong>of</strong> ancient woodland species,<br />
as well as being <strong>of</strong> most importance within the woodland for bryophytes, and <strong>of</strong><br />
generally high value for invertebrates.<br />
Whilst Sycamore and the scattered conifers are not a particular threat to the nature<br />
conservation value <strong>of</strong> these areas, it would be preferable to encourage a greater<br />
proportion <strong>of</strong> locally native trees and shrubs such as Ash, Alder, Crack Willow,<br />
Hazel and Guelder Rose as appropriate to increase opportunities for associated<br />
wildlife, whilst accepting that Sycamore is here to stay in these areas. Occasional<br />
thinning would help promote structural diversity, and could be used to encourage<br />
the native species present here, whilst maintaining reasonable light levels to the<br />
rich ground flora.<br />
Young mixed <strong>plan</strong>tations<br />
Thinning <strong>of</strong> the 30-40 year old mixed <strong>plan</strong>tations around the Limb Lane picnic area<br />
and Whirlow playing fields (compartments 116a and 116c) should continue on a 5-7<br />
year cycle, to favour the best-formed trees<br />
42
1.4. Health and Safety<br />
Policies, Procedures and Guidelines<br />
• The full DEL Health and Safety Policy for 2006 can be found on the City Councilis<br />
internal intranet site at http://sheffield.net/managers/health-safety (Please note<br />
that this Internal link is only available to staff )<br />
• An A4 summary document has been produced and included in Appendix 5A.<br />
• <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council has a pro-active, defendable approach to the <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
its tree stock’s health and safety. All trees close to primary definitive and<br />
recognised routes and formal access points undergo a risk assessment every three<br />
years, and those next to secondary routes every five years. Trees next to the<br />
highway are inspected annually. Associated remedial work is undertaken as<br />
identified. A risk assessment <strong>of</strong> other structures, etc within the woodland is<br />
undertaken annually<br />
• During routine visits by Parks and Countryside staff any maintenance or problems<br />
identified such as damaged access structures, etc are dealt with promptly.<br />
Associated problems and incidents, like fallen trees, reported by members <strong>of</strong> the<br />
public are logged in the CONFIRM system and dealt with as appropriate. There is<br />
also a SCC Corporate public comments, complaints and feedback procedure which<br />
is adhered to as appropriate (refer to Appendix 5B)<br />
• A procedure for dealing with anti-social behaviour has been produced for staff and<br />
includes guidelines for dealing with motor bikes, distressed members <strong>of</strong> the public<br />
etc. The procedure can be found in appendix 5C<br />
• Should discarded syringes be found in the site, staff should follow the ‘PC Safe<br />
System <strong>of</strong> Work for the removal <strong>of</strong> needles and syringes’ guidelines which can be<br />
found in appendix 5D<br />
A Healthy, Safe and Secure Site<br />
• First Aid and Emergency Information<br />
First aid facilities are provided at the sawmill site, within the shop and the<br />
workshops.<br />
The majority <strong>of</strong> Parks and Countryside staff working at the site are trained in ‘First<br />
Aid at Work’.<br />
Accident reporting procedures are detailed on the relevant accident form<br />
(employees accident, violence to staff or public accident). A copy is kept at the<br />
main Parks and Countryside headquarters at Meersbrook Park and the original sent<br />
to the DEL Health and Safety Officer.<br />
The majority <strong>of</strong> Parks and Countryside staff (for example Rangers) working at the<br />
site wear a recognizable uniform, with the SCC logo and can be approached by the<br />
public for information or assistance.<br />
• Site Monitoring<br />
43
The woodland is regularly visited and monitored by the Trees and Woodlands<br />
Section and the Southern Ranger Team. Should a member <strong>of</strong> the public report an<br />
incident / damage in the park to a member <strong>of</strong> staff this is recorded on the P and C<br />
CONFIRM system.<br />
• Physical Improvements to Improve Safety<br />
Much <strong>of</strong> the on-going <strong>management</strong> and maintenance undertaken across the<br />
woodland has improved safety in the woodland and the perception <strong>of</strong> safety. This<br />
will be reinforced during the implementation <strong>of</strong> this <strong>plan</strong><br />
• Provision <strong>of</strong> other basic facilities<br />
A public toilet, suitable for the disabled, was installed at the sawmill site in 2006.<br />
However, its opening hours are linked to the when the associated retail<br />
outlet/gallery is open and when Parks and Countryside are running events, etc from<br />
the site. Public toilets are also available 7 days a week, at nearby Parks and<br />
Countryside sites Whirlow Brook Park and Millhouses Park. This information is<br />
included on the site-based interpretative panels.<br />
There is no public telephone available on site, but information on the location <strong>of</strong> the<br />
nearest one should be made available.<br />
Personal Security in the Site<br />
• Staff Security<br />
All staff have access to or carry their own mobile telephone, and have been trained<br />
to be aware <strong>of</strong> the risks when working on-site, sometimes alone. Written risk<br />
assessments are prepared for all project work, event, etc undertaken by staff on<br />
site.<br />
• Public safety<br />
Ecclesall Woods has a very good record on public safety, with very low numbers <strong>of</strong><br />
reported or serious incidents, as evidenced by the visitor survey in 2006 (refer to<br />
Appendix 8). The situation will continue to be monitored and review and action<br />
taken as appropriate<br />
44
Dogs<br />
• Policies<br />
Dog walkers are some <strong>of</strong> the most frequent visitors to Ecclesall Woods and<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council welcomes and actively promotes responsible dog ownership.<br />
It is pleasing to report that the majority <strong>of</strong> dog owners in <strong>Sheffield</strong> do act<br />
responsibly. Nevertheless, the 2006 visitor questionnaire and other recent<br />
consultation has highlighted a demand for strategically places dog bins at several<br />
primary entrances, and this is included in the work programme for 2007-08.<br />
SCC Animal Wardens have provided polite notices at primary entrances to<br />
encourage responsible dog walking.<br />
The situation with regard to dog-fouling in the woodland is monitored during routine<br />
visits and will be reviewed as appropriate.<br />
1.5 Sustainability<br />
Environmental sustainability<br />
Environmental sustainability is a key driver influencing <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> the site.<br />
In terms <strong>of</strong> wider sustainable <strong>management</strong>, the current <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council<br />
Environmental Policy will be adhered to (refer to Appendix 6A). This builds on<br />
policies related to the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, EMAS (refer to<br />
Appendix 5B). Parks and Countryside staff were given training on EMAS in 2000.<br />
P and C was EMAS audited in 2002, scoring well, but with some room for<br />
improvement. The latter is currently under investigation and development.<br />
Local Agenda 21 and the <strong>Sheffield</strong> Environment Strategy are covered in Section<br />
1.1.5 above.<br />
All <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council woodlands, included this site, are certified as meeting<br />
Forest Stewardship Council standards <strong>of</strong> sustainable woodland <strong>management</strong>.<br />
Finally, all <strong>of</strong> the tenants based at the sawmill work place sustainability at the heart<br />
<strong>of</strong> their business, utilising locally grown timber and other resources.<br />
Pesticide, peat use and other materials used on site<br />
Pesticide use within Ecclesall Woods is very limited, only occurring for maintenance<br />
reasons within Limb Lane car park. Herbicide is used to kill the cut stumps <strong>of</strong><br />
Rhododendron and Japanese Knotweed, as part <strong>of</strong> removal regimes. All use<br />
follows the Forestry Commission’s Use <strong>of</strong> Herbicides in the Forest Field Book<br />
(1995). At all times, use <strong>of</strong> such chemicals is kept to a minimum, and in keeping<br />
with the Control <strong>of</strong> Pesticides Regulations 1986 and other associated legislation<br />
and best practice guidance. Please refer to Appendix 6C for P and C’s overall<br />
policy approach to pesticide use.<br />
45
It is <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council policy not to buy or use peat based products (refer to<br />
Appendix 6D).<br />
Where possible, woodland benches erected within the woodland are sourced from<br />
locally grown timber, usually from approved felling works within the woodland itself.<br />
Other wooden materials required for bridge repairs (sleepers), waymarking posts,<br />
wooden gates, etc is purchased from sustainably managed sources, ideally<br />
meeting Forest Stewardship Council certification standards.<br />
Path repairs are implemented using clean crushed brick and brick dust supplied by<br />
local demolition companies, following guidance from the Public Rights <strong>of</strong> Way Unit,<br />
Highway Services, reducing pressure on the local landscape by reducing demand<br />
for raw materials from local quarries.<br />
Waste minimisation<br />
Very little waste is produced from the <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods, with the<br />
possible exception <strong>of</strong> tree-related maintenance and <strong>management</strong>. During routine<br />
small-scale tree-maintenance operations arisings are normally cut into small<br />
lengths, stacked neatly and allowed to rot down as wildlife habitat. However, where<br />
considerable health and safety work is required the material is either chipped and<br />
spread on site away from sensitive vegetation, etc or in the case <strong>of</strong> large volumes<br />
<strong>of</strong> chips, removed to the sawmill site for composting and then sold to the public.<br />
During major thinning and felling operations, harvestable timber will be sold and<br />
removed to help <strong>of</strong>f-set the costs <strong>of</strong> operations and to make good use <strong>of</strong> this<br />
renewable resource. At the same time, standing and fallen deadwood is<br />
deliberately retained and created during associated operations.<br />
1.6 Marketing<br />
The SCC Media Team supports the marketing and promotion <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods.<br />
An <strong>of</strong>ficer within that team deals with all media and public relations relating to the<br />
whole Parks and Countryside Service. Ecclesall Woods are also marketed through<br />
the Corporate public relations team and the city tourist venues as one <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sheffield</strong>’s<br />
top attractions.<br />
• The Parks and Countryside Service Outdoor Events Team manage all large events<br />
on an individual basis. Smaller events are managed by the Trees and Woodlands<br />
Section with the Ranger Service, and partners such as the Friends group.<br />
• Events are advertised in a Ranger Events leaflet published twice a year, updated<br />
regularly on the Parks and Countryside Service web page<br />
The following is just a few examples <strong>of</strong> information used to promote the site:<br />
• Website Links<br />
Examples:<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council Ecclesall Woods website<br />
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/trees-woodlands/ecclesall-<strong>woods</strong><br />
46
South Yorkshire Forest Partnership and related web pages (like Green Sites)<br />
http://www.syforest.co.uk/<br />
Working Woodlands Ltd<br />
http://www.workingwoodlands.info/<br />
http://www.workingwoodlandsproducts.co.uk/<br />
• Printed materials<br />
Two leaflets on the site – A Seasonal Walk Around Ecclesall Woods, and a selfguided<br />
Archaeological Trial are available from the shop and gallery at the sawmill<br />
site. In addition, they can be picked up from the P and C Head Office at<br />
Meersbrook Park.<br />
Both are also available as downloads through the City Council Ecclesall Woods<br />
website (listed above)<br />
In addition, the Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods produce a newsletter for its members 3-<br />
4 times a year, whilst the Dore Village Society’s newsletters “Dore to Dore” and the<br />
“Bradway Bugle” regularly carry articles concerning the woodland and sawmill from<br />
Parks. Both are distributed to thousands <strong>of</strong> households in the Dore and Beauchief<br />
area.<br />
In 2006 an education pack was developed for the site by FEW with help from the<br />
South Yorkshire Forest Partnership and Parks and Countryside. This is available at:<br />
http://www.heritage<strong>woods</strong>online.co.uk/1. Introduction and History.<strong>pdf</strong><br />
FEW published Ecclesall Woods, <strong>Sheffield</strong>: a Flora, in 2006. This is available<br />
through FEW, at the sawmill site shop and the Meersbrook Park head <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> Hallam <strong>University</strong> have published various books and conference<br />
proceedings either on or related to Ecclesall Woods which are available to buy<br />
through:<br />
http://www.wildtrackpublishing.co.uk/pubcns.htm<br />
• Site Management<br />
All major or potentially contentious <strong>management</strong> works and projects are promoted<br />
through site information notices, public meetings, press and radio coverage, letters<br />
to Ward Members, the Area Panel and local residents, and through local<br />
newsletters, as appropriate. FEW and the Dore Village Society are also kept<br />
informed either verbally or in writing. Nevertheless, all major works are discussed<br />
with these groups prior to implementation. Obviously preparation <strong>of</strong> this<br />
<strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong> has created a large amount <strong>of</strong> additional promotion for the<br />
woodland and allowed users to have a much greater say in how it is cared and<br />
managed for.<br />
• Council staff and contractors<br />
47
The Southern Ranger Team undertake a range <strong>of</strong> small-scale maintenance and<br />
<strong>management</strong> projects across the site as well as delivering events, etc. Together<br />
with staff within the Trees and Woodlands Section, the Rangers are the most<br />
frequent SCC presence within the woodland. All Rangers have an identifiable<br />
uniform and vehicles, and have been provided training on how to answer and<br />
respond constructively to enquiries from site users about associated issues.<br />
Similarly, staff within Street Force use corporately marked vehicles. Whilst staff<br />
within the Trees and Woodlands Section do not have a corporate uniform, those<br />
regularly involved in the woodland are well-known to regular visitors and are happy<br />
to deal with comments, etc raised whilst on site.<br />
All SCC staff involved in maintaining the site are aware <strong>of</strong> the Council’s Corporate<br />
Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct which details a constructive approach to comments, complaints<br />
and feedback from visitors (refer to Appendix 7 for more detail).<br />
Similarly, contractors employed by Parks and Countryside to deliver <strong>management</strong><br />
projects are provided guidance, prior to the start <strong>of</strong> works, on how to respond<br />
positively to enquiries from visitors and local residents.<br />
48
SECTION 2: VISION<br />
The following vision for Ecclesall Woods has been agreed:<br />
“To conserve and encourage the recreational, landscape, spiritual, environmental<br />
and heritage value <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods, whilst promoting its sustainable use,<br />
understanding and enjoyment by the local and wider community”<br />
SECTION 3: MANAGEMENT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES<br />
3.1 Aims and Objectives <strong>of</strong> <strong>management</strong><br />
Based on the above site based information and its evaluation, together with City<br />
Council, regional and national policy (Section 1.1.5) the Aims and Objectives for<br />
Ecclesall Woods are set out below (Section 4 contains detailed annual<br />
maintenance works and annual work programmes which flow from these).<br />
Aim 1 Recreation and Access<br />
To provide for safe, welcoming, co-ordinated and sustainable public access, leisure<br />
and tourism<br />
Objectives<br />
• To continue to regenerate the sawmill site to provide improved visitor facilities, a<br />
centre for sustainable timber industries and a “gateway” for education, interpretative<br />
and training programmes associated with the woodland and its heritage in keeping<br />
with the themes developed in the 2004 feasibility study<br />
• To continue to gradually improve and maintain the definitive rights <strong>of</strong> way network,<br />
including associated access structures, signposting, and associated trails like the<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> Round Walk and Easy Going Trail, complying with the Disability<br />
Discrimination Act regulations<br />
• To implement the proposed additions to the definitive network within the woodland,<br />
subject to proper assessment and consideration <strong>of</strong> the impact on site heritage<br />
interests<br />
• In conjunction with Highway Services to improve the pedestrian links between the<br />
sawmill site and the woodland, and across Abbey Lane between Woods 2 and 3<br />
• To discourage informal paths where they are seriously compromising the<br />
woodlands’ heritage interests<br />
• To maintain and where necessary improve the seating facilities<br />
• To provide improved car parking facilities within the sawmill site<br />
• To provide full-time public toilet facilities at the sawmill site<br />
• To remove fly-tipping as soon as possible, and to undertake regular litter<br />
clearances along the woodland roadside margins and elsewhere as required<br />
49
• To patrol and monitor the woodland as resources allow<br />
• To undertake an annual risk assessment <strong>of</strong> all structures, buildings, etc<br />
• To undertake a risk assessment <strong>of</strong> all trees close to primary definitive and<br />
recognised routes and formal access points every three years, and those next to<br />
secondary routes every five years. Trees next to the highway will be inspected<br />
annually. Associated remedial work will undertaken as identified<br />
• To respond positively and quickly to public complaints and enquiries, and ensure<br />
that the City Council’s public complaints and feedback procedure is adhered to as<br />
appropriate<br />
• To continue to market Ecclesall Woods and its developing facilities as a major<br />
visitor destination in <strong>Sheffield</strong><br />
• To maintain Green Flag status for Ecclesall Woods<br />
Aim 2 Biodiversity<br />
To conserve and encourage the semi-natural characteristics <strong>of</strong> the varied habitats<br />
found within the site and their associated wildlife in accordance with the UK and<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> Biodiversity Action Plans, maintaining or increasing populations <strong>of</strong> Key<br />
species, and the extent and quality <strong>of</strong> Key Habitats<br />
Objectives<br />
• To encourage the predominantly semi-natural vegetation communities present<br />
during all habitat <strong>management</strong>, in turn benefiting associated flora and fauna<br />
• To implement as appropriate specific <strong>management</strong> to maintain or increase<br />
populations <strong>of</strong> the UK BAP Short and Middle-listed species, and Local BAP species<br />
recorded at the site in the last 20 years<br />
• To implement as appropriate, specific <strong>management</strong> to maintain or increase the<br />
extent and quality <strong>of</strong> the UK BAP priority habitat “wet woodland”.<br />
• To protect and encourage the resident Badger population in partnership with the<br />
South Yorkshire Badger Group and in accordance with best practice as outlined in<br />
Forests Operations and Badger Setts (Forestry Commission, 1996)<br />
• To retain standing and fallen deadwood wherever possible, including<br />
representatives <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> the species found on the site if possible, promoting<br />
associated fungi, invertebrates, hole-nesting birds, and bats<br />
• To organise bat surveys <strong>of</strong> all areas where mature tree-felling is proposed, to<br />
ensure that no roosts are destroyed and that the interests <strong>of</strong> bats are incorporated<br />
into all <strong>management</strong> implementation, in liaison with <strong>Sheffield</strong> Bat Group<br />
• To continue the conservation <strong>management</strong> approach to the <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> the<br />
small meadow to the immediate north-west <strong>of</strong> the bird sanctuary (Compartment<br />
116h), through a programme <strong>of</strong> annual grass cutting during September/October.<br />
50
Some limited scrub control will be undertaken to keep it open. However, it is<br />
important that a variety <strong>of</strong> grassland conditions are maintained, particularly for<br />
specialist invertebrates requiring rank, grassy tussocks. As such, a proportion <strong>of</strong><br />
the grassland will be left permanently uncut.<br />
• To maintain the bird sanctuary as a quiet haven for wildlife where public access is<br />
discouraged and <strong>management</strong> is minimal.<br />
• To continue an annual Common Bird Census across the bird sanctuary and Wood<br />
2 allowing comparison with areas where recreation is and is not encouraged, and to<br />
help monitoring the general health <strong>of</strong> the site’s bird population.<br />
• To maintain support for local naturalists and the wider community who visit and<br />
record the nature conservation interest <strong>of</strong> the site<br />
• To continue to control and reduce the extent <strong>of</strong> the invasive introduced species<br />
Rhododendron, Cherry Laurel, Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed<br />
• To maintain and protect the site’s Local Nature Reserve status<br />
• To monitor the effects <strong>of</strong> all habitat <strong>management</strong> whenever possible, reviewing and<br />
revising <strong>management</strong> strategies as appropriate.<br />
Additional guidance<br />
Song Thrush, Bullfinch, Spotted Flycatcher, Pipistrelle Bat, White-clawed Crayfish<br />
and Water Vole are all UK BAP Key priority species recorded from the woodland.<br />
The following specific <strong>management</strong> work is <strong>plan</strong>ned:<br />
Song Thrush - proposed silvicultural <strong>management</strong> will increase the amount <strong>of</strong><br />
ephemeral open space within the site, and promote greater structural and shrub<br />
species diversity, benefiting this species. Bullfinch will also benefit from these<br />
proposals.<br />
Spotted Flycatcher prefers open canopy, mature woodland, with open glades and<br />
tree falls. The proposed thinning works within mature stands will benefit this<br />
species.<br />
Pipistrelle Bat favours the glades within the woodland, as well as woodland edges.<br />
The proposed thinning works and coppice <strong>management</strong> will provide a continued<br />
supply <strong>of</strong> new glades, whilst the rough grassland and scrub to the north-west <strong>of</strong> the<br />
bird sanctuary and along the western margins <strong>of</strong> the site, as well as adjoining<br />
residential gardens, will continue to provide the important feeding zones.<br />
White-clawed Crayfish required proper survey to assess better its presence and<br />
distribution, and associated <strong>management</strong> recommendations.<br />
Water Vole may still be present within the site, but its status is unclear. A field<br />
survey will be undertaken to assess its status, with associated recommendations.<br />
Grass Snake is included in the <strong>Sheffield</strong> BAP, and is present at the sawmill site.<br />
Work will be undertaken to assess the size <strong>of</strong> the grass snake population and take<br />
appropriate action to protect and encourage it further<br />
51
Rhododendron (and Cherry Laurel) is currently restricted primarily to parts <strong>of</strong> the<br />
bird sanctuary, where extensive areas are present. A 10 year programme <strong>of</strong><br />
removal is programmed through a combination <strong>of</strong> cutting and herbicide stump<br />
treatment. Replacement vegetation will be encouraged through natural processes<br />
rather than <strong>plan</strong>ting.<br />
Himalayan Balsam will continue to be reduced by annual hand pulling, whilst areas<br />
<strong>of</strong> Japanese Knotweed will be removed through herbicide use.<br />
Aim 3 Archaeological and historic interest<br />
To protect and conserve features <strong>of</strong> archaeological and historic interest, and<br />
provide appropriate interpretation<br />
Objectives<br />
• To preserve and to take account <strong>of</strong> all known archaeological and historic features<br />
during <strong>management</strong> and maintenance operations. Where necessary, this may<br />
include archaeological investigation <strong>of</strong> features to assess the archaeological<br />
implications <strong>of</strong> proposals<br />
• To undertake appropriate <strong>management</strong> where necessary to protect known features<br />
from damage associated with recreational use, tree growth, etc.<br />
• To facilitate further research into, and understanding <strong>of</strong>, the woodland's<br />
archaeological and historic interest in partnership with the South Yorkshire<br />
Archaeology Service and the wider community<br />
• To assess the levels <strong>of</strong> significance <strong>of</strong> particular monument types, identifying the<br />
most important examples, and consider these for Scheduling as appropriate<br />
• To develop additional associated interpretative materials, and more strongly<br />
incorporate the cultural heritage <strong>of</strong> the woodland into education, interpretation and<br />
training programmes, as well as continuing and expanding community archaeology<br />
projects<br />
Additional guidance<br />
(a) Prior to all major <strong>management</strong> activities, for example thinning or path<br />
improvements, consultation and/or a site visit with the South Yorkshire Archaeology<br />
Service (SYAS) will be undertaken as required to pinpoint features <strong>of</strong> interest and<br />
determine any necessary precautions. In all cases the GIS database <strong>of</strong> the site’s<br />
archaeological interest and the County Sites and Monument Register will be<br />
referred to as a baseline <strong>management</strong> tool.<br />
(b) Where archaeological interest is suspected but unconfirmed, appropriate<br />
archaeological fieldwork will be undertaken during or in advance <strong>of</strong> <strong>management</strong><br />
works following consultation with SYAS, and operations reviewed and reconsidered<br />
as necessary.<br />
(c) Management activities will be <strong>plan</strong>ned and executed to avoid disturbance to<br />
archaeological features. Felling <strong>of</strong> trees, particularly mature individuals, directly<br />
onto areas <strong>of</strong> archaeological interest will be avoided whenever possible, and all<br />
extraction routes will be kept away from features <strong>of</strong> interest. If trees on an<br />
52
archaeological feature are being felled damage will be minimised by techniques<br />
such as brash matting and working in dry conditions. Prior to major <strong>management</strong><br />
works, sites <strong>of</strong> interest within the immediate vicinity <strong>of</strong>/close to the work area will be<br />
marked out with hazard warning tape, etc as appropriate, and all those involved in<br />
the operations informed <strong>of</strong> areas/features <strong>of</strong> archaeological importance.<br />
(d) Where necessary, trees felled on or close to features <strong>of</strong> importance will be winched<br />
from the immediate area to reduce vehicular damage, whilst the use <strong>of</strong> draught<br />
horses will be considered in the most sensitive cases<br />
(e) Scheduled and other significant archaeological sites will be regularly monitored to<br />
observe any <strong>management</strong> problems that may arise. This will be organised in<br />
consultation with SYAS.<br />
(f) Appropriate archaeological training <strong>of</strong> Council staff, particularly Rangers, with<br />
constant involvement at the site will be continued, to improve their ability to<br />
recognise archaeological features they come across in the course <strong>of</strong> their work, to<br />
help inform <strong>management</strong> works and reduce the potential for damage and<br />
disturbance, whilst increasing their interpretative knowledge.<br />
(g) Two types <strong>of</strong> further descriptive and investigative work are also proposed:<br />
• Filling in blank areas within the existing surveys<br />
• More detailed surveys <strong>of</strong> features recorded in the existing surveys<br />
There is substantial opportunity for members <strong>of</strong> the community to participate<br />
in the above through “community archaeology” projects, led by a suitably qualified<br />
and experienced archaeologist, and undertaken and monitored in consultation<br />
with SYAS.<br />
Aim 4 Woodland Management<br />
Through appropriate <strong>management</strong>, to promote a diverse high-forest woodland<br />
structure characterised predominantly by semi-natural vegetation communities,<br />
whilst recognising the value <strong>of</strong> introduced species such as Beech and Sweet<br />
Chestnut.<br />
Objectives<br />
• To manage the majority <strong>of</strong> the mixed Oak, Beech and Sweet Chestnut woodland <strong>of</strong><br />
Ecclesall Woods by small-scale, piecemeal light thinning on a rotation <strong>of</strong> at least<br />
150 years, promoting uneven-aged woodland and a diversity <strong>of</strong> species, structure<br />
and habitats.<br />
• To manage the areas <strong>of</strong> recent <strong>plan</strong>tations around the Limb Lane picnic area and<br />
Whirlow playing fields by periodic thinning, encouraging native species where<br />
possible<br />
• To continue to promote coppice-with standards <strong>management</strong> to the demonstration<br />
area <strong>of</strong>f Cow Lane, Wood 1<br />
• In general, to favour native tree and shrub species typical <strong>of</strong> the ancient seminatural<br />
communities found within the site during all operations. However, where<br />
53
introduced species now form a characteristic part <strong>of</strong> the woodland amenity, a<br />
proportion will also be promoted<br />
• To promote and utilise natural regeneration whenever possible in providing new<br />
trees maintaining the genetic integrity <strong>of</strong> native species, so far as is practicable.<br />
Otherwise to use <strong>plan</strong>ts <strong>of</strong> local provenance and preferably from semi-natural<br />
parent trees<br />
• To protect and maintain minimum intervention areas including the bird sanctuary,<br />
wet flushes, areas adjoining streamsides, and drainage ditches.<br />
• To employ operational methods which avoid excessive disturbance to the site<br />
• To identify opportunities for enlarging the existing area <strong>of</strong> woodland, especially<br />
where this would provide links to other nearby ancient woodlands, as long as this<br />
would not compromise other interests, for example, where it would result in the loss<br />
<strong>of</strong> other valuable semi-natural habitats<br />
Additional guidance<br />
(a) Where possible all thinning operations will be positioned where advance<br />
regeneration capable <strong>of</strong> responding to increased light levels is already present.<br />
Natural regeneration will be the main method <strong>of</strong> providing new trees. Planting will<br />
only be considered if natural regeneration fails to appear some 3-5 years after<br />
canopy opening, and then only using <strong>plan</strong>ts <strong>of</strong> local provenance, preferably from<br />
semi-natural parent trees<br />
Areas <strong>of</strong> regeneration will require periodic respacing to ensure that an appropriate<br />
mix <strong>of</strong> species is encouraged and to promote healthy crown development.<br />
All operations will favour the locally native tree and shrub species present within the<br />
existing stands and will in general, encourage a greater proportion <strong>of</strong> native species<br />
in the long-term. However, it is recognised that various introduced species form a<br />
characteristic or important element <strong>of</strong> many parts <strong>of</strong> the woodland, in particular<br />
Beech, and Sweet Chestnut, and in such situations, a proportion will be<br />
encouraged during thinning and respacing works. In the long-term, a greater mix <strong>of</strong><br />
native and introduced species will be retained where the latter is currently<br />
dominant.<br />
All thinning operations will retain representatives <strong>of</strong> all the species <strong>of</strong> locally native<br />
trees and shrubs present within the particular stand, use variation <strong>of</strong> thinning<br />
intensity to maintain varied conditions, and maintain and encourage an understorey<br />
and shrub layer in more mature stands, and use low impact methods for timber<br />
harvesting and avoid excessive disturbance and compaction. Small-scale working<br />
will be the norm.<br />
(b) Apart from providing wildlife habitat, old trees and deadwood can have<br />
considerable intrinsic appeal and add diversity to the woodland structure.<br />
For these reasons, a proportion <strong>of</strong> trees will be retained indefinitely throughout the<br />
site and allowed to develop to over-maturity and natural senescence. Similarly, a<br />
proportion <strong>of</strong> mis-shapen trees will be retained during all silvicultural operations.<br />
54
The trees chosen will generally be away from definitive routes and well-used,<br />
casual paths and formal access points.<br />
Where possible, deadwood, both standing and fallen, will be left where it is to<br />
undergo natural decay processes. Large diameter timber is particularly valuable<br />
and will be left uncut where possible. If possible, representatives <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> the<br />
native species found in the woodlands will be utilised.<br />
A proportion <strong>of</strong> timber arising from agreed silvicultural operations will be left<br />
in-situ for similar reasons.<br />
(c) Climate change predictions and the suggested impact on woodlands will inform ongoing<br />
<strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> the site, with reference to the latest research and guidance<br />
from the Forestry Commission and others.<br />
Aim 5 Landscape<br />
To maintain and protect the landscape value <strong>of</strong> the woodland<br />
Objectives<br />
• To promote predominantly native broadleaved tree and shrub species typical <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Coal Measures Natural Area during all silvicultural operations, whilst recognising<br />
the contribution <strong>of</strong> species introduced to the site amenity.<br />
• To minimise the landscape impact <strong>of</strong> felling and regeneration works.<br />
• To maintain screening <strong>of</strong> obtrusive features crossing and adjoining the site, for<br />
example, Abbeydale Road South.<br />
Additional guidance<br />
Management proposals include thinning and small-scale coppicing. The effects <strong>of</strong><br />
these operations will be visible from some locations outside the woodland but the<br />
visual impact will be low.<br />
Some changes in the visual appearance <strong>of</strong> the woodland, especially from within,<br />
will occur as a result <strong>of</strong> thinning proposals. However, as generally only relatively<br />
small parts <strong>of</strong> the woodland will be affected at any one time, the impact <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>management</strong> operations will be minimised. Thinning works will be positioned so<br />
that, where possible, they are secluded from main views within and from outside<br />
the woodland.<br />
55
Aim 6 Community involvement and participation in site <strong>management</strong><br />
To encourage community involvement in the <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> the site and to<br />
facilitate community use <strong>of</strong> the woodland and its facilities<br />
Objectives<br />
• To consult and involve the local community, the South West Area Panel, specialist<br />
interest and stakeholder groups during the implementation <strong>of</strong> the <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong><br />
• To continue to support stakeholder groups such as the Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods,<br />
Working Woodlands Ltd, and Ruskin Mill Educational Trust and strengthen related<br />
partnerships. To encourage opportunities for joint working and projects wherever<br />
possible<br />
• To continue to support the Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods and other community groups<br />
and partners undertaking activities / events / meetings within the woodland and<br />
sawmill site<br />
• To facilitate <strong>management</strong> advisory and subgroups to inform and improve<br />
<strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> the site and its facilities<br />
• To regularly review and monitor visitor perceptions <strong>of</strong> the site and its <strong>management</strong>,<br />
and take on board associated recommendations as appropriate<br />
• To increase volunteer involvement in the site’s <strong>management</strong> through an<br />
annual programme developed and delivered by the Ranger Service and other<br />
partners<br />
• To continue to encourage the local community and other site visitors to report any<br />
concerns or problems at the site, acting as the "eyes and ears" <strong>of</strong> the Council.<br />
Aim 7 Education, interpretation and training<br />
To maximise the educational, interpretative and training potential <strong>of</strong> the woodland<br />
and sawmill site<br />
Objectives<br />
• To maintain a wide-ranging programme <strong>of</strong> environmental, cultural and interpretative<br />
events and activities through the Ranger Service and others<br />
• To maintain and update as necessary the site based leaflets, education pack and<br />
other interpretative materials<br />
• To provide support and facilitate a range <strong>of</strong> partnership / community led events that<br />
use the site facilities and landscape<br />
• To support the Freeman College (Ruskin Mill Educational Trust) “woodland camp”<br />
within Wood 3 and facilitate its educational, interpretative and training potential for<br />
the wider community where appropriate<br />
56
• To review the current interpretation panels and develop and install improved<br />
interpretation over the <strong>plan</strong> period, particularly with regard to heritage interests<br />
• To continue to support research opportunities within and centred-on the woodland<br />
• To continue to advocate for the development <strong>of</strong> a site-dedicated, site-based Ranger<br />
Team to help deliver both <strong>management</strong> and interpretation and education projects<br />
and programmes<br />
• To aspire to promote Ecclesall Woods as an annual classroom based Key Stage 2<br />
topic for five schools, mixed or combined with a sustainable programme <strong>of</strong> Key<br />
Stage 2 visits to Ecclesall Woods for one year group from each <strong>of</strong> five schools<br />
• To promote increasing use <strong>of</strong> the woodland and sawmill site for associated training<br />
and personal development<br />
Aim 8 Maximising Resources and Revenue Generation<br />
To maximise income generation to <strong>of</strong>fset expenditure without compromising the<br />
community use and heritage value <strong>of</strong> the woodland.<br />
Objectives<br />
• To foster and support the retail outlet and gallery for wood products at the sawmill<br />
site<br />
• To further develop partnership working with the businesses based at the sawmill<br />
site, including proposals to replace the existing workshop spaces with purpose built<br />
facilities<br />
• To manage the tenancy at wills at the sawmill site and the licence agreement with<br />
Freeman College according to good practice, with the support <strong>of</strong> Legal and<br />
Governance<br />
• To take appropriate opportunities to produce utilisable timber and maximise income<br />
from the sale <strong>of</strong> produce resulting from agreed silvicultural operations, subject to<br />
the other site interests<br />
• To investigate and develop a range <strong>of</strong> appropriate revenue generating opportunities<br />
in keeping with the woodland’s public use, and heritage value, and the growing role<br />
<strong>of</strong> the sawmill site as a location for wood-based businesses<br />
• To maximise sources <strong>of</strong> internal and external funding and other resources in<br />
partnership with stakeholders<br />
• To base all revenue and other resource <strong>management</strong> and generation upon sound<br />
business <strong>plan</strong>ning<br />
• To maintain and manage the site as an example <strong>of</strong> sustainability in action, by<br />
ensuring that the social and environmental impact <strong>of</strong> all operations are considered<br />
alongside the economic<br />
57
SECTION 4: MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION<br />
Please refer to Figure 4.1<br />
4.1 Annual maintenance work programme (Years 1-5)<br />
Key:<br />
TW - Trees and Woodlands Section, Park and Countryside Service<br />
RT – Southern Ranger Team, Parks and Countryside Service<br />
PC – Parks and Countryside Section, Parks and Countryside Service<br />
SF - Street Force<br />
Risk Assessment<br />
(1) Annual written risk assessment <strong>of</strong> all site infrastructure and all trees<br />
adjoining the highway. Associated action to be taken as necessary.<br />
Access<br />
Autumn/TW<br />
(2) Clean out all cross-drains on paths<br />
Spring and Autumn/RT<br />
Litter Management<br />
(3) Remove all litter from Limb Lane car park, litter bin and surrounding amenity<br />
grassland (prior to cutting).<br />
Weekly/SF (H) and PC<br />
(4) Sweep car parking bays on Abbey Lane and remove any associated litter.<br />
Twelve-weekly cycle/SF (C)<br />
(5) Other woodland boundaries.<br />
Every two months and as required/SF<br />
(6) Along recognised woodland paths, access points<br />
As required or every two months/SF and RT<br />
(7) Litter sweep around sawmill site<br />
Every week or as required/RT<br />
58
Grassland Management<br />
(8) Mow amenity grassland at Limb Lane car park site (compartment 116a)<br />
Every two weeks from the last week <strong>of</strong> March-first week April to the last<br />
week <strong>of</strong> September-first week <strong>of</strong> October/SF<br />
Vegetation Management<br />
(9) Assess which public paths and other recognised routes require strimming<br />
and cutting back <strong>of</strong> encroaching vegetation like bramble and undertake<br />
associated work<br />
Graffiti<br />
May and July/RT<br />
Any graffiti <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fensive nature will be removed as soon as possible, and in other<br />
instances within as short a period as possible. All incidents will be logged on the<br />
CONFIRM system.<br />
Vandalism<br />
Checks will be made for vandalism as part <strong>of</strong> routine visits, although vandalism is<br />
rare within the site. Unsafe structures, etc will be removed or made safe as soon as<br />
possible and repairs made soon afterwards. . All incidents will be logged on the<br />
CONFIRM<br />
59
4.2 Annual <strong>management</strong> work programme (Years 1-5)<br />
Key:<br />
TW - Trees and Woodlands Section, Park and Countryside Service<br />
RT – Southern Ranger Team, Parks and Countryside Service<br />
PC – Parks and Countryside Section, Parks and Countryside Service<br />
SF - Street Force<br />
SYAS – South Yorkshire Archaeology Service<br />
YEAR 1<br />
Recreation and Access<br />
(1) Secure 550m <strong>of</strong> boundary around the sawmill site with post and wire fencing,<br />
with associated access structures into the woodland<br />
Spring/Contractor<br />
(2) Formalise footpath links between the sawmill site and the woodland,<br />
following consultation with SYAS<br />
Spring/RT/SYAS<br />
(3) To re-surface the outstanding 50m section <strong>of</strong> bridleway by the concrete<br />
bridge over the Limb Brook (bridleway 246), and repair 200m <strong>of</strong> bridleway<br />
surface (bridleway 245), including more and higher cross drains to prevent<br />
water erosion. Look at options for further surfacing <strong>of</strong> bridleway 244 where it<br />
includes the stone tramway, to resolve drainage problems<br />
Summer/SYAS/Contractor<br />
(4) Upgrade the access structure from Cow Lane into Wood 1, to allow better<br />
access for those with disabilities<br />
Spring/RT<br />
(5) Undertake master <strong>plan</strong>ning with associated consultation, to move forward<br />
the vision for the sawmill site<br />
All Year/TW/Key stakeholders/Contractor<br />
(6) Liase with Highway Services to promote better crossings over Abbey Lane,<br />
between Woods 2 and 3<br />
60
All Year/TW/Highway Services<br />
(7) Undertake tree risk assessment and implement associated safety work along<br />
primary definitive and recognised routes and formal access points<br />
Autumn/TW/Contractor<br />
(8) Install dog bins at 5 primary sites entrances<br />
Spring/TW/Environmental and Regulatory Services<br />
Biodiversity<br />
(9) Undertake Water Vole survey <strong>of</strong> the woodland streams, and implement<br />
associated recommendations<br />
Spring/Contractor<br />
(10) Assess population <strong>of</strong> Grass snake at the sawmill site, and undertake any<br />
appropriate works to protect and promote the population<br />
Spring-Autumn/Contractor/RT<br />
Archaeology<br />
(11) Verify the status <strong>of</strong> the suggested prehistoric rock art within the bird<br />
sanctuary<br />
Autumn/SYAS/English Heritage<br />
Woodland Management<br />
(12) Re-space groups <strong>of</strong> pole-stage regeneration within compartment 114b<br />
(0.5ha), to promote a suitable mix <strong>of</strong> species<br />
Autumn/RT/Volunteers/Contractor<br />
(13) Re-space denser areas <strong>of</strong> pole-stage Ash, etc within margins <strong>of</strong><br />
Compartment 116h (0.1ha)<br />
Autumn/RT/Volunteers<br />
Education, interpretation and training<br />
(14) Upgrade site-based interpretative panel information and install new one<br />
at the sawmill site. Provide interpretative information inside the new<br />
shop/gallery<br />
Spring/TW/Contractor<br />
(15) Upgrade “Seasonal walk through Ecclesall Woods leaflet” to include<br />
the sawmill site<br />
Spring/TW/Contractor<br />
61
Maximising Resources and Revenue Generation<br />
(16) Construct purpose built timber framed shop and gallery at the sawmill site<br />
YEAR 2<br />
Spring/Hector and Cedric/TW<br />
Recreation and Access<br />
(1) Surface 100m <strong>of</strong> footpath from Endowood Road into Wood 2<br />
Summer/Contractor<br />
(2) Re-surface (new top surface) 125m <strong>of</strong> footpath (which runs below the<br />
sawmill site) from Abbey Lane towards bridleway 252<br />
Summer/Contractor<br />
(3) Provide new surface on footpath 255 (350m)<br />
Summer/Contractor<br />
(4) Undertake erosion control works along the footpath that runs from the<br />
Abbeydale Road South entrance towards Abbey Lane (and behind<br />
Sherwood Glen), Wood 3<br />
Summer/Contractor<br />
(5) Formalise footpath from Whirlow playing fields car park into Ecclesall Woods<br />
through Square Plantation, Wood 3, with associated waymarking. Undertake<br />
related tree safety work<br />
Spring/TW-RT/Contractor<br />
(6) Formalise footpath in Wood 3, which runs parallel to the Limb Brook<br />
between the two wooden bridges. Consult with SYAS on the exact<br />
route and undertake erosion control measures and any related tree<br />
safety works<br />
Biodiversity<br />
Summer/TW-RT/SYAS/Contractor<br />
(7) Undertake survey <strong>of</strong> White-clawed crayfish in the Limb Brook, and<br />
implement associated recommendations<br />
Spring-Summer/Contractor<br />
(8) Commission detailed NVC vegetation assessment <strong>of</strong> the site<br />
Spring/Contractor<br />
62
Archaeology and historic interest<br />
(9) Meet with SYAS and develop and implement erosion control approach to<br />
bridleway crossing Iron Age hillfort in Wood 3<br />
Spring-Autumn/TW/SYAS<br />
(10) In liaison with English Heritage and SYAS, to assess the levels <strong>of</strong><br />
significance <strong>of</strong> particular monument types, and whether Scheduling is<br />
appropriate<br />
All Year/SYAS/English Heritage<br />
Woodland Management<br />
(11) Thin dense areas <strong>of</strong> pole-stage Oak-Birch woodland with Compartment 115a<br />
(approx. 2ha)<br />
Autumn/Contractor<br />
63
YEAR 3<br />
Recreation and Access<br />
(1) Re-surface (new top surface) the 3 main footpaths (250m) from the Abbey<br />
Lane parking bays feeding bridleway 252<br />
Summer/Contractor<br />
(2) Re-surface (new top surface), footpath 283 (350m)<br />
Summer/Contractor<br />
(3) Investigate measures to improve drainage <strong>of</strong> footpath 249 (which partly runs<br />
along a holloway), in consultation with SYAS<br />
Spring-Summer/TW/SYAS<br />
(4) Install 15 new woodland benches across the site<br />
Autumn/RT<br />
Biodiversity<br />
(5) Undertake targeted invertebrate survey<br />
Summer/Ecology Unit/Contractor<br />
Archaeology<br />
(6) Commission a topographic survey <strong>of</strong> the enclosures north <strong>of</strong><br />
Whirlowdale Road/west <strong>of</strong> Cow Lane, in Wood 1,<br />
Winter/SYAS/Community archaeologist<br />
Woodland Management<br />
(7) Thin Compartment 116b (1.6ha) to favour best-formed, native species where<br />
present<br />
Winter/Contractor<br />
64
YEAR 4<br />
Recreation and Access<br />
(1) Re-surface (new top surface) the bridleway 241, Wood 2 (700m)<br />
Biodiversity<br />
Summer/Contractor<br />
(2) Undertake targeted fungal survey<br />
Autumn/Ecology Unit/Contractor<br />
Archaeology<br />
(3) Commission a topographic and condition survey <strong>of</strong> Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t mill and dam,<br />
and implement recommendations as appropriate<br />
Winter/SYAS/Archaeological contractor<br />
Woodland Management<br />
(4) Thin 1970’s <strong>plan</strong>tation <strong>of</strong> mixed broadleaves and conifers within<br />
compartment 116a (0.7ha) to favour best-formed, native species where<br />
present<br />
Winter/Contractor<br />
Community involvement and participation in site <strong>management</strong><br />
(5) To undertake a on-site new visitor survey<br />
Spring-Summer/Contractor<br />
65
YEAR 5<br />
Recreation and Access<br />
(1) Re-surface (new top surface) footpath 244, Wood 1 (900m)<br />
Biodiversity<br />
Summer/Contractor<br />
(2) Undertake targeted lichen survey<br />
Spring-Summer/Ecology Unit/Contractor<br />
Archaeology<br />
(3) Commission a topographic survey <strong>of</strong> the probable field system present to the<br />
east <strong>of</strong> the Limb Brook, in Wood 3 which is potentially prehistoric, Romano-<br />
British or medieval<br />
Winter/SYAS/Community archaeologist<br />
66
4.3 Recurring annual <strong>management</strong> tasks<br />
Biodiversity<br />
(1) Commission Common Bird Census <strong>of</strong> bird sanctuary and Wood 2<br />
Spring/Contractor<br />
(2) Wildlife cut <strong>of</strong> meadow (compartment 116h)<br />
Sept-Oct/RT<br />
(3) Control, removal and gradual eradication <strong>of</strong> Himalayan Balsalm, Japanese<br />
Knotweed and Rhododendron<br />
Spring-Autumn/RT/Contractors<br />
Woodland <strong>management</strong><br />
(4) Monitor coppice demonstration area (compartment 115d), cutting back<br />
encroaching vegetation, etc as necessary<br />
Summer-Autumn/RT-TW<br />
Community Involvement and Participation<br />
(5) Consult and inform the local community and other Key stakeholders <strong>of</strong><br />
major <strong>management</strong> works or proposals<br />
As required/TW and key stakeholders<br />
(6) Develop and deliver an annual programme to encourage regular<br />
volunteer involvement in the site, involving and supporting the Friends <strong>of</strong><br />
Ecclesall Woods and other partners from the voluntary sector wherever<br />
possible<br />
All Year/TW-RT and key stakeholders<br />
Education, interpretation and training<br />
(7) Develop and deliver an annual programme <strong>of</strong> recreation, education<br />
and interpretative activities and events, including associated marketing<br />
All Year/TW-RT and key stakeholders<br />
67
SECTION 5: FINANCIAL STATEMENT<br />
5.1 Financial forecast 2007-2011<br />
5.1.1 Anticipated Expenditure<br />
It should be noted that these figures do not include the potential costs <strong>of</strong> fully<br />
regenerating the sawmill site as the process toward achieving this is at an early<br />
stage. As this process progresses, further detail will be added to this document,<br />
assuming the associated resources can be secured.<br />
Proposed Activity Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5<br />
Recreation and Access<br />
Master <strong>plan</strong>ning for sawmill<br />
site<br />
30000 15000<br />
Rights <strong>of</strong> way<br />
improvements<br />
3000 6000 6000 7000 9000<br />
Boundary/access point<br />
improvements<br />
3500<br />
Install new benches 500<br />
Car park improvements at 2000<br />
sawmill<br />
Install dog bins<br />
Biodiversity<br />
1500<br />
Specialist species surveys 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000<br />
Annual Common Bird<br />
Census<br />
300 300 300 300 300<br />
Comprehensive NVC<br />
survey<br />
5000<br />
Control <strong>of</strong> invasive species 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200<br />
Archaeology<br />
Specific feature survey and<br />
assessment<br />
Assessment <strong>of</strong> feature<br />
significance<br />
500 500 3500 3500 4000<br />
1500<br />
Woodland Management<br />
Thinning 500 3000 1200 800<br />
Coppice <strong>management</strong><br />
Community Involvement<br />
1000 1000 1000 1000 1000<br />
Commission visitor survey<br />
Education and<br />
Interpretation<br />
4000<br />
Upgrade Interpretative<br />
signage<br />
2000<br />
Upgrade “Seasonal walk” 1500<br />
interpretative leaflet<br />
Provide annual programme<br />
<strong>of</strong> educational and<br />
interpretative events, etc<br />
Maximising Resources<br />
and Revenue<br />
3000 3000 3000 3000 3000<br />
68
Proposed Activity Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5<br />
Construct purpose built<br />
shop and gallery at sawmill<br />
site<br />
50000<br />
Pre-<strong>plan</strong>ned maintenance<br />
Pre-<strong>plan</strong>ned Maintenance<br />
costs (litter collection,<br />
grassland <strong>management</strong>,<br />
etc)<br />
4000 4000 4000 4000 4000<br />
TOTALS 105000 41500 21700 25800 23500<br />
5.1.2 Anticipated external income<br />
Source Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5<br />
European Objective 1<br />
(Forestry Resources Grant)<br />
40000<br />
Forestry Commission<br />
EWGS Woodland<br />
Management Grant<br />
4200 4200 4200 4200 4200<br />
Hector and Cedric Ltd<br />
(contribution to costs <strong>of</strong><br />
new shop/gallery)<br />
25000<br />
Rentals from sawmill site 6000 11000 11000 11000 11000<br />
TOTALS 75200 15200 15200 15200 15200<br />
5.2 Current and future sources <strong>of</strong> funding<br />
Parks and Countryside have a long and successful history <strong>of</strong> using a partnership<br />
approach to help develop and develop projects. The growing partnerships at<br />
Ecclesall Woods, particularly those associated with the sawmill site, the Friends <strong>of</strong><br />
Ecclesall Woods and Dore Village Society, South Yorkshire Forest Partnership, and<br />
Ruskin Mill Educational Trust present a range <strong>of</strong> opportunities to meet the<br />
aspirations for the site and the communities it serves.<br />
• Forestry Commission England Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS)<br />
Ecclesall Woods was entered into the new EWGS for Woodland Management<br />
Grant in 2007, and funding is secured for five years. These monies contribute<br />
toward the <strong>management</strong> and maintenance costs <strong>of</strong> access, recreation, and<br />
biodiversity.<br />
Further applications for Woodland Improvement Grants towards proposed path<br />
improvements, the control <strong>of</strong> invasive species, etc will be made in due course.<br />
• Natural England<br />
Natural England brings together English Nature, the Countryside Agency and the<br />
Rural Development Service, and was established in 2006.<br />
69
At present, Natural England has not released details <strong>of</strong> its <strong>plan</strong>ned grant aid<br />
packages. However, it is likely that the many benefits Ecclesall Woods brings will<br />
enable the site to access future funding programmes.<br />
• Lottery Funds<br />
Ecclesall Woods is a valuable site for biodiversity, and its archaeology<br />
interest in particular. The Heritage Lottery Fund have visited the woodland and<br />
demonstrated a clear positive interest. As such, the site is included on the Parks<br />
and Countryside three-year HLF bidding programme (2006-09).<br />
Other potential sources <strong>of</strong> associated grant aid include the Big Lottery Fund, which<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers much potential for the sawmill site itself. The strong social enterprise nature<br />
<strong>of</strong> the project here provides a strong “hook” for related bids.<br />
• European Objective 1<br />
Objective 1 is a source <strong>of</strong> major European funding aimed at the social and<br />
economic regeneration <strong>of</strong> disadvantaged areas. In 1999, South Yorkshire qualified<br />
for this funding regime. In early 2001, the South Yorkshire Forest Partnership were<br />
successful in attracting nearly £4 million <strong>of</strong> Objective 1 monies to grant to others for<br />
the <strong>plan</strong>ting <strong>of</strong> new woodland, the improvement <strong>of</strong> existing woodland, and<br />
harvesting and marketing initiatives associated with wood products. The last <strong>of</strong> the<br />
funding must be claimed by the end <strong>of</strong> April 2008. However, there is some potential<br />
that further “transitional” funding may follow this.<br />
Since 2001, considerable Objective 1 monies have been attracted to Ecclesall<br />
Woods, for both physical site improvements, and feasibility work such as the initial<br />
feasibility study on the sawmill site in 2004. Further funding is secured towards the<br />
master <strong>plan</strong>ning work on the sawmill site, and through one <strong>of</strong> the site tenants<br />
(Hector and Cedric), for the proposed new shop/gallery.<br />
Where possible, further Objective 1 monies will be sought over the remainder <strong>of</strong> the<br />
funding programme.<br />
• South Yorkshire Forest Partnership<br />
The South Yorkshire Forest Partnership (SYFP) is a major partner in the<br />
developing sawmill site project, and has helped Parks and Countryside access<br />
considerable funding for both this and the woodland since 2001. Parks and<br />
Countryside will continue to work closely with SYFP to explore future related<br />
funding packages and opportunities.<br />
• Yorkshire Forward<br />
Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency for Yorkshire and<br />
Humberside. It has shown interest in part-funding the <strong>plan</strong>ned workshops for the<br />
sawmill site. This and other opportunities will be explored more fully as the master<br />
<strong>plan</strong>ning process proceeds.<br />
70
• Section 106 monies<br />
The woodland has benefited from considerable allocations <strong>of</strong> Section 106 monies<br />
since 2001, especially towards access improvements. Parks and Countryside will<br />
continue to work closely with the South West Area Panel to maximise the related<br />
benefits to the woodland.<br />
• Other Funding<br />
Other sources <strong>of</strong> funding will be explored wherever possible. For example, the<br />
Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods are currently applying for “Landfill Tax” monies to fund<br />
<strong>plan</strong>ned path improvements.<br />
71
SECTION 6: RESEARCH, MONITORING AND REVIEW<br />
6.1 Research<br />
A considerable amount <strong>of</strong> research into various aspects <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods has<br />
been undertaken by a variety <strong>of</strong> organisations and individuals. Where possible,<br />
research into the many values <strong>of</strong> the woodland will be encouraged and supported,<br />
although, priority will be given to those initiatives which help in monitoring the<br />
progress <strong>of</strong> the <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong> implementation programme, and answer other<br />
critical issues which need to be addressed, and so inform future <strong>management</strong><br />
requirements. Broad areas for further research <strong>of</strong> particular benefit to the site’s<br />
<strong>management</strong> include:<br />
• The perceptions <strong>of</strong> the site by the community through continuing visitor surveys;<br />
• Investigation and assessment <strong>of</strong> known or suspected archaeological features in<br />
accordance with Bevan (2001), and assessment <strong>of</strong> their significance against<br />
English Heritage criteria;<br />
• The effects <strong>of</strong> habitat <strong>management</strong>; and<br />
• species distribution <strong>of</strong> Key fauna and flora, particularly those included in the UK<br />
BAP short-list <strong>of</strong> priority species.<br />
6.2 Monitoring<br />
To effectively assess the <strong>plan</strong>ned benefits <strong>of</strong> the various <strong>management</strong> works<br />
proposed, a monitoring programme is proposed:<br />
Habitat Management<br />
• A “before” and “after” photographic record will be kept during all major <strong>management</strong><br />
works.<br />
• As required, flora and fauna surveys <strong>of</strong> these areas where <strong>management</strong> works are<br />
concentrated will be undertaken, again to help to quantify/identify the proposed<br />
benefits.<br />
• An annual Common Bird Census will continue within the bird sanctuary (minimal<br />
intervention) and Wood 2 where a modest programme <strong>of</strong> <strong>management</strong> is proposed<br />
over the <strong>plan</strong> period. As birds are “keystone” biodiversity indicators, the census<br />
will provide valuable broad information on the effects on the <strong>management</strong><br />
proposals.<br />
Archaeology<br />
Monitoring <strong>of</strong> archaeological features is comprehensively covered in the additional<br />
guidance for Aim 3, in Section 3.<br />
72
Health and Safety<br />
The safety <strong>of</strong> trees and other structures within the site will be assessed as outlined<br />
in the objectives <strong>of</strong> Aim 1, in Section 3<br />
Other Matters<br />
Routine visits will inevitably identify unpredictable issues and concerns that need<br />
addressing as they arise, such as litter, vandalism, the unrecorded presence <strong>of</strong> new<br />
species <strong>of</strong> importance etc. This information will be fed into the CONFIRM system<br />
and maintenance and <strong>management</strong> work programmes as appropriate.<br />
6.3 Review<br />
This Management Plan forms an active agenda for managers and employees to<br />
implement appropriate <strong>management</strong> techniques and methods to ensure the<br />
continued success and sustainable future for Ecclesall Woods<br />
This <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong> is not intended to be inflexible. It will be appropriately<br />
adapted to accommodate any new information, altering circumstances, pressures,<br />
trends and processes whenever they arise.<br />
Progress will be kept under active review throughout the course <strong>of</strong> each year <strong>of</strong><br />
implementation via regular monitoring at meetings and discussions within Parks<br />
and Countryside and with other deliverers and stakeholders. The progress <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>plan</strong> will be reviewed at the beginning <strong>of</strong> each successive financial year and<br />
adjustments made to the coming year’s work programme as required. Overall, this<br />
approach will ensure that the woodland and the benefits it provide continue to meet<br />
users needs whilst ensuring protection and where appropriate enhancement <strong>of</strong> the<br />
woodland’s rich heritage.<br />
The development <strong>of</strong> the <strong>plan</strong> will be fully reviewed at the end <strong>of</strong> the current fiveyear<br />
period in 2011.<br />
73
APPENDICES<br />
Appendix 1 Detailed Compartment Descriptions<br />
Appendix 2 Byelaws covering Ecclesall Woods<br />
Appendix 3 Flora and Fauna Species Lists<br />
Appendix 4 Events Policy<br />
Appendix 5A DEL Health and Safety Policy<br />
Appendix 5B Customer Enquiry System<br />
Appendix 5C Procedure for dealing with anti-social behaviour<br />
Appendix 5D PC Safe System <strong>of</strong> Work for removal <strong>of</strong> needles<br />
and syringes<br />
Appendix 6A SCC Environmental Policy<br />
Appendix 6B EMAS<br />
Appendix 6C PC Pesticide Policy<br />
Appendix 6D SCC Policy on the Use <strong>of</strong> Peat<br />
Appendix 7 SCC Corporate Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct<br />
Appendix 8A 2006 visitor questionnaire<br />
Appendix 8B 2006 visitor questionnaire technical appendices<br />
Appendix 9 Chronology <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods<br />
Appendix 10 Bibliography<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 1
APPENDIX 1<br />
Detailed Compartment Descriptions<br />
Wood 2 24.6 ha in total<br />
Sub-Compartment 114a - 15.3 ha<br />
This extensive and varied area is typified by an open canopy <strong>of</strong> frequent to<br />
occasional mature Scots Pine and European Larch intermixed with mature well-<br />
crowned Oak. Other mature broadleaves are rare but include Sweet Chestnut and<br />
Beech.<br />
This overlays a sub-canopy <strong>of</strong> 25-40 year old, pole-stage Silver Birch (Oak, Yew,<br />
Rowan and Sweet Chestnut), which in places with few mature trees, is dominant.<br />
This has developed following extensive storm damage in the early 1960s. The shrub<br />
layer is sparse, but includes Holly, and occasional Hazel.<br />
The field layer is characterised by Bramble, (and Bracken), over locally abundant<br />
Bluebell, S<strong>of</strong>t Creeping-grass, and Broad Buckler Fern, with occasional Wood<br />
Anemone.<br />
Flush lines along streams and drainage channels support Alder, and Hazel, over a<br />
more diverse field layer.<br />
The south-eastern third <strong>of</strong> this sub-compartment was thinned in 2001.<br />
Sub-Compartment 114b - 6.4 ha<br />
Dominated by well-spaced, large-crowned mature Beech trees with a concentration<br />
<strong>of</strong> over-mature (150 years+) trees near Whirlowdale Road. These are intermixed<br />
with occasional mature European Larch, Oak and Sweet Chestnut.<br />
Pole-stage, 25-40 year old Silver Birch dominated natural regeneration (with Beech,<br />
Rowan and Oak) occurs here and there as a sub-canopy, where the Beech stand is<br />
more open.<br />
Throughout much <strong>of</strong> the stand, bare ground is dominant because <strong>of</strong> the closed<br />
canopy above, although young advanced Beech regeneration is locally frequent,<br />
though suppressed. Holly forms the dominant species <strong>of</strong> a poorly-developed shrub<br />
layer.<br />
In recent year, safety work on several <strong>of</strong> the large Beech has created a number <strong>of</strong><br />
glades which are gradually infilling with mixed broad-leaved regeneration, dominated<br />
by Silver Birch and Beech, as well as Goat Willow, amongst others.<br />
Sub-Compartment 114c – 2.9 ha<br />
Characterised by a mixed, fairly closed canopy <strong>of</strong> 100 year old, Oak, Scots Pine,<br />
European Larch (Sweet Chestnut and Norway Spruce). A few over-mature Pine are<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 2
also present here and there.<br />
Pole-stage, 25-40 year old Silver Birch (Rowan, Oak and Yew) form an uneven sub-<br />
canopy, filling more open areas <strong>of</strong> the mature canopy.<br />
Wood 1 36.4 ha in total<br />
Sub-Compartment 115a – 24.0 ha<br />
This extensive block is characterised by a varied, 20-70% closed canopy <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
large-crowned, 100+ year old Sessile Oak, with frequent Sweet Chestnut. Other<br />
occasional mature canopy species include Scots Pine, European Larch, (and<br />
Beech). This is infilled by frequently dense, 25-40 year old Birch dominated natural<br />
regeneration, with Wild Cherry, Sweet Chestnut, Oak, Rowan, Beech and<br />
Hornbeam. Bracken glades occur here and there with occasional Holly (Hazel and<br />
Hawthorn) forming an open shrub layer. The field layer is typified by S<strong>of</strong>t Creepinggrass,<br />
Bramble and Bracken with Bluebell and Honeysuckle. The flush lines and<br />
streams crossing the area support Alder (and Ash) with a diverse field layer.<br />
Sub-Compartment 115b - 0.6 ha<br />
Two small areas dominated by 120+ year old low, large-crowned Beech, (with Sweet<br />
Chestnut, Oak and Sycamore). Mature Holly forms a well-developed shrub layer.<br />
Bare earth is dominant beneath, and advance regeneration is rare. Safety tree work<br />
in 2006 has opened several holes in the otherwise complete canopy.<br />
Sub-Compartment 115c - 6.7 ha<br />
Typified by an open canopy <strong>of</strong> 60-80 year old Sycamore, with younger stands<br />
towards Parkhead. Mature Oak, Scots Pine, European Larch and Sweet Chestnut<br />
are present, but rare.<br />
The understorey is open, with occasional clumps <strong>of</strong> mature Holly (and Hazel), over a<br />
field layer dominated by Bluebell, with frequent Bramble, Broad Fern Buckler and<br />
S<strong>of</strong>t Creeping-grass.<br />
The area is criss-crossed by a number <strong>of</strong> streams, flushes and drainage ditches<br />
feeding into the north-western boundary brook backing onto Dobcr<strong>of</strong>t Road. These<br />
are lined by occasional mature Alder, Ash and occasional Hazel. Here, the field<br />
layer is diverse with Wood Anemone, Yellow Archangel, Lesser Celandine and<br />
Opposite-leaved Golden saxifrage, Creeping Buttercup, Meadowsweet , Large<br />
Bittercress amongst others.<br />
Sub-Compartment 115d - 0.6 ha<br />
Characterised by scattered mature, 80+ year old Sycamore, with occasional Oak,<br />
Alder and Pine, with Hazel (and Holly), re-growth from cut Sycamore stumps, and<br />
occasional young Rowan, Ash, and Oak. Bramble, Bracken, with S<strong>of</strong>t Creepinggrass<br />
and Bluebell form locally dominant parts <strong>of</strong> the field layer. Coppice with<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 3
standards <strong>management</strong> was re-introduced to this area in 1994-96, and the shrub<br />
layer beaten up with the <strong>plan</strong>ting <strong>of</strong> Ash, Alder and Hazel in 2002.<br />
The various streams and flushes present within this area are botanically diverse with<br />
Yellow Archangel, Remote Sedge, Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage, and many<br />
others.<br />
Sub-Compartment 115e - 1.4 ha<br />
Characterised by dense, 25-40 year old pole-stage Silver Birch, with Oak, Sycamore,<br />
Rowan, Sweet Chestnut and frequent young Holly, which has developed following<br />
the 1962 storm.<br />
Mature Oak, Sweet Chestnut, Beech, Pine and Larch are scattered across this area.<br />
The field layer is more acid-loving, with Wavy Hair-grass frequent, together with<br />
Bramble, Bluebell, Broad Buckler Fern, and S<strong>of</strong>t Creeping-grass.<br />
Sub-Compartment 115f - 3.1 ha<br />
This area is dominated by mature Scots Pine, with frequent European Larch and<br />
locally frequent mature Oak (and Hornbeam, Sweet Chestnut, Sycamore, Silver<br />
Birch amongst others). Holly forms a fairly well-developed shrub layer, over a<br />
Bluebell and Bramble dominated ground flora. Pole-stage Silver Birch/Oak/Rowan<br />
are scattered throughout the stand.<br />
The stream side and its tributaries support mature Alder, with Ash, dead Wych Elm,<br />
Sycamore and Hazel over a diverse field layer dominated by Lesser Celandine, with<br />
Wood Anemone, and Yellow Pimpernel, amongst others.<br />
Wood 3 78.9 ha in total<br />
Sub-Compartment 116a – 3.7 ha (Limb Lane picnic site)<br />
This sub-compartment includes the Limb Lane picnic area, fringed by several blocks<br />
<strong>of</strong> young woodland, with a large area <strong>of</strong> amenity grassland in the centre <strong>of</strong> the area,<br />
linked to a car park. Much <strong>of</strong> the area was reclaimed from landfill in the 1970’s.<br />
The woodland is generally characterised by several mixed, 25-30 year old<br />
<strong>plan</strong>tations consisting <strong>of</strong> small blocks <strong>of</strong> Alder, Beech, Scots Pine, Field Maple,<br />
Larch, Wild Cherry (Ash, Sycamore and Silver Birch), with occasional young<br />
Hawthorn and Elder, and a generally species poor field layer except for patches <strong>of</strong><br />
Bluebell and Lesser Celandine. Many <strong>of</strong> the trees are <strong>of</strong> poor form, and the Beech in<br />
particular has suffered serious squirrel damage. Thinned in 2002-3<br />
By the entrance to the car park, the woodland is different. Situated upon mining slag,<br />
this area is characterised by naturally regenerated 30-50 year old Sycamore, with<br />
Oak, Birch, (Ash, Goat Willow and Rowan) over occasional Hawthorn, Holly and<br />
Elder. The field layer is clearly recent and secondary with Bramble, Bracken, S<strong>of</strong>t<br />
Creeping-grass, Ivy and occasional Bluebell.The steep bank falling down to the<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 4
stream is characterised by Bluebell, and other ancient woodland <strong>plan</strong>ts like Great<br />
Woodrush, which are slowly spreading into the new woodland.<br />
Sub-Compartment 116b - 0.8 ha (Square Plantation)<br />
Varied mixture <strong>of</strong> mature Beech, Sycamore, Oak, Ash (Pine and Horse Chestnut)<br />
and semi-mature, 30-50 year old Ash, Sycamore (and Birch), over patchy sapling<br />
regeneration <strong>of</strong> Sycamore, Ash and Wych Elm. Nineteenth century <strong>plan</strong>tation.<br />
In general the field layer is characterised by Bluebell, Bramble and Male Fern.<br />
However, two species rich spring lines flow through the woodland, with Yellow<br />
Pimpernel, Woodruff, Yellow Archangel, Wood Anemone, Common Valerian, and<br />
others, which are spreading into the rest <strong>of</strong> the woodland. Occasional, mature Alder<br />
and suckering Wych Elm are present along these spring lines.<br />
Sub-Compartment 116c – 1.6 ha<br />
Mixed <strong>plan</strong>tation <strong>of</strong> 35-40 year old Beech, Sycamore, Norway Maple and Ash, with<br />
Sitka Spruce (Larch and Scots Pine), as well as occasional Silver Birch, Sessile Oak<br />
and Rowan, on a gently shelving, north-east facing slope leading to the Limb Brook.<br />
Occasional Hawthorn and Elder form an open understorey over a species poor field<br />
layer. Recent secondary woodland. Many <strong>of</strong> the trees are <strong>of</strong> poor form and the<br />
Beech in particular, have suffered serious squirrel damage. Majority thinned in 2002-<br />
03.<br />
The streamside is richer with mature Sessile Oak, Alder and Hazel, over Bluebell,<br />
Lesser Celandine, Wood Anemone and Dog's Mercury amongst others.<br />
Sub-Compartment 116d – 17.0 ha (Bird Sanctuary)<br />
Predominantly mature, 100-120 year old, poorly-formed Sweet Chestnut, with Oak,<br />
forming a closed canopy. Other canopy species are rare, but include European<br />
Larch, Beech, Scots Pine, and semi-mature Silver Birch and Rowan.<br />
Here and there small clumps <strong>of</strong> 15-30 year old Birch-dominated regeneration are<br />
present, and a small number <strong>of</strong> 25-35 year old Sitka Spruce lie amongst these.<br />
Rhododendron is present in several large blocks along the south-eastern edge <strong>of</strong><br />
this stand. The shrub layer is open, to well-developed, with Holly dominant. Natural<br />
regeneration is rare. The south-east part <strong>of</strong> the sanctuary is dominated by a mature,<br />
dense canopy <strong>of</strong> Beech.<br />
The field layer varies from bare earth mixed with S<strong>of</strong>t Creeping-grass, Bluebell,<br />
Honeysuckle, Broad Buckler Fern, Wood Sorrel and Bramble, to locally dominant<br />
Bluebell.<br />
The north-eastern corner <strong>of</strong> the sanctuary lies alongside two small tributary streams,<br />
supporting a richer community characterised by dense 30-50 year old Ash, with<br />
Silver Birch, Rowan, Oak and occasional Sycamore and Sitka Spruce. A few mature<br />
Oak and Sweet Chestnut occur here and there. Rhododendron is frequent in places<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 5
The shrub layer contains frequent Hazel, over a Bluebell-dominated field layer, with<br />
Wood Anemone, Yellow Archangel and S<strong>of</strong>t Creeping-grass. The stream sides are<br />
richer with Ash, Alder, dead Elm and Hazel over Lesser Celandine, Dog's Mercury<br />
and Wood Anemone, with Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage, Common Valerian,<br />
Yellow Pimpernel and Greater Stitchwort amongst others.<br />
Sub-Compartment 116e – 1.2 ha (Sawmill Site)<br />
Predominantly characterised by access roads, and buildings, this area does contain<br />
several small mixed groups <strong>of</strong> 30-40 year old secondary Sycamore, Birch, Wild<br />
Cherry and Larch. There are a few 100 year old Sycamore, Beech, Oak and Sweet<br />
Chestnut close to Abbey Lane, with a dense understorey <strong>of</strong> Cherry Laurel.<br />
Sub-Compartment 116f – 34.2 ha<br />
This extensive block is typified by a relatively open canopy <strong>of</strong> 70-120 year old, mixed<br />
form, low-crowned Oak, with locally frequent Sweet Chestnut, and occasional<br />
European Larch, (Scots Pine, Sitka Spruce and Beech). Pole-stage Rowan, Oak<br />
and Silver Birch are scattered across the area. Sycamore is concentrated on the<br />
woodland margins near Abbeydale Road South. Overall, the area has a relatively<br />
semi-natural character.<br />
Holly forms a sparse to well-developed shrub layer, with Hawthorn (and Hazel).<br />
Natural regeneration is occasional with Oak, Birch, (Yew), and Rowan typical, as<br />
well as Beech, Sycamore and Sweet Chestnut.<br />
The field layer is characterised by frequent Bluebell with Creeping S<strong>of</strong>t-grass,<br />
Bracken, Broad Buckler Fern, Honeysuckle (and Bramble). The ditches crisscrossing<br />
the stand are more diverse with Lesser Celandine and Wood Anemone<br />
amongst others.<br />
Sub-Compartment 116g – 3.2 ha<br />
Open canopy <strong>of</strong> 100-120 year old, poorly-formed, closely grown Beech, with<br />
occasional Sweet Chestnut, Larch and Oak.<br />
Following thinning in 2002-3, the shrub layer is recovering from previous dense<br />
shade, but is still sparse, with occasional mature Holly, as well as young Hawthorn<br />
and Holly, and good patches <strong>of</strong> advance regeneration <strong>of</strong> Birch, Rowan, and Beech<br />
Recovering field layer, with Bluebell, Bramble, Honeysuckle and Wavy-Hair grass<br />
and bare earth characteristic, , and a richer flora along the frequent streams crossing<br />
the area, including Yellow Pimpernel, Greater Stitchwort, Great Woodrush, and<br />
Brooklime amongst others<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 6
Sub-Compartment 116h - 1.1 ha<br />
Mosaic <strong>of</strong> rank neutral grassland, scrub and 20-30 year old trees.<br />
The grassland is characterised by Yorkshire Fog and Cocksfoot, with Hogweed,<br />
Creeping Thistle, Nettle, Meadow Vetchling, Creeping Buttercup, and occasional<br />
Bramble thickets, amongst others. Woodland herbs are spreading into the margins<br />
in places.<br />
The margins <strong>of</strong> this area support a mix <strong>of</strong> natural regeneration and <strong>plan</strong>ted<br />
Hawthorn, Ash, Osier, Goat Willow, Oak, Whitebeam and Italian Alder.<br />
Sub-Compartment 116i - 0.7 ha<br />
Varied and irregular young woodland comprising mixture <strong>of</strong> 15-30 year old Goat<br />
Willow, Alder and Osier, with Sycamore, Ash, Hawthorn and Elder on drier, higher<br />
ground.<br />
Near to the Limb Brook, the ground flora is diverse with Meadowsweet, Creeping<br />
Buttercup, Dog's Mercury, Wood Anemone, and frequent Bramble.<br />
Sub-Compartment 116j – 2.6 ha<br />
Situated on a steep, west to north-west facing slope, this area is characterised by a<br />
closed canopy <strong>of</strong> mature, low-crowned and crooked Sessile Oak, with Sweet<br />
Chestnut (and occasional Sycamore, Beech, European Larch and Scots Pine).<br />
Semi-mature Silver Birch and Rowan are present here and there as a sparse subcanopy,<br />
over a very open shrub layer <strong>of</strong> Holly. Natural regeneration is rare.<br />
Bare earth is dominant on the ground, with occasional Great Woodrush. Other<br />
<strong>plan</strong>ts are rare, but include Wavy Hair-grass, Honeysuckle, Bluebell, Bilberry,<br />
Heather, Hard Fern and Broad Buckler Fern.<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 7
Sub-Compartment 116k – 9.1 ha<br />
Characterised by mature Scots Pine (and European Larch) intermixed with Oak as<br />
well as occasional to frequent Sycamore, (Ash, Alder, dead Wych Elm, Rowan and<br />
Yew). A few mature Horse Chestnut are also present along parts <strong>of</strong> the western<br />
boundary. Overall, the area has a predominantly closed canopy with limited natural<br />
regeneration, and a sparse shrub layer <strong>of</strong> Holly (and Hazel). The stand shelves<br />
gently eastward near the Limb Brook.<br />
In general, the field layer is typified by localised Bluebell with S<strong>of</strong>t Creeping-grass,<br />
Bramble, and Bracken, with Yellow Archangel, Wood Sorrel and other occasional<br />
herbs.<br />
However, along the frequent flushes and streams feeding the Limb Brook, as well as<br />
the Brook itself, the vegetation is much more semi-natural with Alder, Ash and Hazel,<br />
over a diverse flora <strong>of</strong> Wood Anemone, Lesser Celandine, Bluebell, Dog's Mercury<br />
and Yellow Pimpernel amongst others.<br />
Sub-Compartment 116L - 0.7 ha (Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Mill site)<br />
Centred on a silted disused millpond, this area is characterised by a stand <strong>of</strong> 40-60<br />
year old Sycamore, with Ash, Oak, Alder (and Scots Pine), over occasional Hazel.<br />
The pond itself supports little open water, and has been colonised by <strong>plan</strong>ts such as<br />
Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage, Lesser Celandine, Creeping Buttercup, Nettle,<br />
S<strong>of</strong>t Rush and Speedwell, with young Grey Willow, Ash and Sycamore also<br />
spreading.<br />
Sub-Compartment 116m – 3.0 ha<br />
This varied area is generally characterised by semi-mature (30-50 years) and more<br />
mature Sycamore, with frequent similar-aged Ash. Other occasional species include<br />
mature Oak, Silver Birch and Pine. Mature Alder lines the Limb Brook. Advance<br />
regeneration <strong>of</strong> Sycamore (Ash and Rowan) is prevalent, with occasional Hazel,<br />
Elder and English Elm (Holly). The field layer is frequently rich, especially along the<br />
damp streamside and margins including Lesser Celandine, Wood Anemone, Red<br />
Campion, Yellow Archangel, Greater Stitchwort, Wood Speedwell, Ramsons and<br />
Dog's Mercury amongst others. Himalayan Balsalm and Japanese Knotweed are<br />
present in small amounts near the streamside.<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 8
CITY OF SHEFFIELD<br />
BYELAWS<br />
made by the<br />
Lord Mayor, Alderman and Citizens <strong>of</strong> the<br />
City <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sheffield</strong>, acting by the Council,<br />
with respect to<br />
PLEASURE<br />
GROUNDS<br />
SYDNEY HILTON<br />
Town Clerk<br />
A Full Copy is Available to Download Via Our:<br />
WEB SITE LINK<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 9
APPENDIX 3<br />
FLORA<br />
In terms <strong>of</strong> natural history records, the site is divided up into 3 main blocks as<br />
follows:<br />
1 Whirlowdale Road SK 325831<br />
2 Area between Whirlowdale Road and Abbey Lane SK 326827<br />
3 Area including the Bird sanctuary SK 318822<br />
Refer to Figure 1.1b in the Management Plan<br />
TREES AND SHRUBS<br />
Acer campestre field maple 91-96 3,<br />
Acer pseudoplatanus sycamore 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Acer pseudoplatanus var pur’ia purple sycamore 91-96 2,3,<br />
Acer platanoides Norway maple 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Aucuba japonica spotted laurel 91-96<br />
Aesculus hippcastanum horse chestnut 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Alnus glutinosa alder 91-96 1,2,3<br />
A. cordata Italian alder 91-96 3<br />
A. incana grey alder 91-96 3<br />
Carpinus betulus hornbeam 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Castanea sativa sweet chestnut 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Chaenomeles speciosa Japanese quince 91-96<br />
Corylus avellana hazel 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Cotoneaster bullatus hollyberry cotoneaster 91-96 2,3,<br />
Cotoneaster frigidus tree cotoneaster 91-96 3<br />
C. horizontalis wall cotoneaster 91-96 3<br />
C. salicifolia willow-l’d cotoneaster 91-96<br />
C. simonsii Himalayan cotoneaster 91-96 1,2<br />
Crataegus monogyna hawthorn 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Cytisus scoparius broom 91-96 2,<br />
Fagus sylvatica beech 91-96 1,2,3<br />
F. sylvatica var purpurea copper beech 91-96 3<br />
Fragula alnus<br />
LRDB-A<br />
alder buckthorn 91-96 2,<br />
Fraxinus excelsior ash 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Ilex x altaclarensis Highclere holly 97<br />
Ilex aquifolium holly 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Ilex sp. holly varieties 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Laburnum anagyroides laburnum 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Larix decidua larch 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Ligustrum aureum golden privet 91-96 1<br />
L. ovalifolium garden privet 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Malus sylvestris crab-apple 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Picea abies Norway spruce 91-96 1,3<br />
P. sitchensis Sitka spruce 91-96 3,<br />
Ecclesall Pinus Woods nigra Management Plan Austrian pine 91-96 Appendices 3 Page 10
P. nigra var. calabrica Corsian pine 91-96 3<br />
P. sylvestris Scots pine 91-96 1,2,3<br />
P. thumbergii Japanese Black pine 91-96 3<br />
Platanus acerifolia London <strong>plan</strong>e 91-96 3<br />
Populus x candicans Aurora Aurora poplar 91-96 3<br />
P. canadensis Italian black poplar 91-96 3<br />
P. tremula aspen 91-96 3<br />
P. tremuloides North Amer. aspen 91-96 3<br />
Prunus avium wild cherry 91-96 1,2,3<br />
P. cerastifera cherry plum 87 3<br />
P. cerasus dwarf cherry 91-96 1<br />
P. laurocerasus cherry laurel 91-96 1,2,3<br />
P. padus bird cherry 91-96 3<br />
P. spinosa blackthorn 91-96 2,3<br />
Pseodtsuga menziesi Douglas fir 91-96 3<br />
Pycanthus sp. pyracanthus 91-96 2<br />
Pyrus pyraster wild pear 91-96 2,3<br />
Quercus sp. oak 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Rhododendron ponticum rhododendron 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Ribes nigrum black currant 91-96 1,2,3<br />
R. rubrum red currant 91-96 1,2,3<br />
R. uva-crispa gooseberry 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Rosa arvensis field rose 91-96 1,2,3<br />
R. canina agg. dog rose 91-96 1,2,3<br />
R. laxaflora 91-96 3<br />
Rubus fruticosus bramble 91-96 1,2,3<br />
R. idaeus raspberry 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Salix alba var limpida white willow 91-96 3<br />
S. Britchensis coral Bark Willow 87 3<br />
S. caprea goat willow 91-96 2<br />
S. caprea x cinerea goat willow hybrid 91-96 3<br />
S. cinerea grey willow 91-96 3<br />
S. daphoides violet willow 91-96 3<br />
S. fragilis crack willow 91-96 3<br />
S. incana hoary willow 91-96 3<br />
S. sachalinensis sekka 91-96 3<br />
S. viminalis osier 91-96 2,3<br />
Sambucus nigra elder 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Sorbus alnifolia alder-leaved whitebeam 91-96 3<br />
S. aria whitebeam 91-96 1,3<br />
S aucuparia rowan 91-96 1,2,3<br />
S. intermedia Swedish whitebeam 91-96 1,2,3<br />
S. John Mitchell Mitchell’s whitebeam 91-96 3<br />
S. x thuringiaca thuringan whitebeam 91-96 3<br />
S. torminalis wild service tree 91-96 3<br />
Symphoricarpos alba snowberry 91-96 1,2,3<br />
S. orbicularis coralberry 91-96 3<br />
Taxus baccata yew 91-96 1,2,3<br />
T. baccta var fatigiata yew variety 91-96 3<br />
Tilia platyphyllus broadleaved lime 91-96 3<br />
T. x vulgaris lime 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Ulmus glabra wych elm 91-96 1,2,3<br />
U. procera English elm 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 11
Viburnum opulus guelder rose 91-96 1,2,3<br />
HERBS<br />
Achellia millefolium yarrow 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Aconitum napellus monkshood 91-96 1,3<br />
Adoxa moshatellina moschatel 91-96 3<br />
Aegopodium podagraria ground elder 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Ajuga reptans bugle 91-96 1,2<br />
Alchemilla vulgaris agg. lady’s mantle 91-96 1,3<br />
Alliaria petiolata hedge garlic 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Allium ursinum ramsons 91-96 1,3<br />
Anemone nemorosa wood anemone 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Angelica sylvestris wild angelica 91-96 3<br />
Anthriscus sylvestris cow parsley 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Aquilegia vulgaris aquilegia 91-96 2<br />
Arabidopsis thaliana thale cress 91-96 1,2<br />
Arctium minus lesser burdock 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Artemisia vulgaris mugwort 91-96 2,3<br />
Arum maculatum arum lily 91-96 3<br />
Aster novi-belgii michaelmas daisy 91-96 1,3,<br />
Astilbe x arendsii astilbe 87 1<br />
Bellis perennis daisy 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Brassica oleracea wild cabbage 91-96 1<br />
Callitriche stagnalis water starwort 91-96 1<br />
Calluna vulgaris heather 91-96 1<br />
Calystegia sepium hedge bindweed 91-96 1,3<br />
C.sepium ssp syl. large bindweed 91-96 3<br />
Campanula arvatica Spanish bellflower 91-96 2<br />
C.posharskayana campanula gdn esc 91-96 2<br />
C. rotundifolia harebell 91-96 3<br />
Capsella bursa-pastoris shepherd’s purse 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Cardamine amara large bitter-cress 91-96 1<br />
C. flexuosa wavy bitter-cress 91-96 1,2,3<br />
C. hirsuta hairy bitter-cress 91-96 1,2,3<br />
C. pratensis lady’s smock 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Centaurea cyanus cornflower 91-96 3<br />
Centaurea nigra lesser knapweed 91-96 1,3<br />
Centaureum erythraea common centaury 91-96 3<br />
Centranthus rubra red valerian 91-96 2<br />
Cerastium holosteoides common mouse-ear 91-96 1,2,3<br />
C. tomentosum snow-in-summer 91-96 2<br />
Chamerion angustifolium rosebay willowherb 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Chelidonium majus greater celandine 87 1<br />
Chenopodium album fat-hen 91-96 1,3<br />
Chrysosplenium oppos’folium opplvd golden saxge 91-96 1,3<br />
Circaea lutiana enchanter’s nightshade 91-96 1,2,3<br />
C. x intermedia u<strong>plan</strong>d ench’ter’s n 91-96 2<br />
Circium arvense creeping thistle 91-96 1,2,3<br />
C. palustre marsh thistle 91-96 1,3<br />
C. vulgare spear thistle 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Conopodium majus pignut 91-96 1,3,<br />
Convolvulus arvensis field bindweed 91-96 3<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 12
Corydalis claviculata climbing corydalis 91-96 1<br />
LRDB<br />
C. lutea yellow corydalis 91-96 2<br />
Crepis capillaris smooth hawk’s-beard 91-96 2<br />
Crocus vernus crocus 91-96 1,2<br />
Cymbalaria muralis ivy-leaved toadflax 91-96 3<br />
Cytisus scoparius broom 91-96 2,3<br />
Digitalis purpurea foxglove 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Dipsacus fullonum teasel 91-96 2<br />
Epilobium ciliatum American willowherb 91-96 1,2,3<br />
E. hirsutum great willowherb 91-96 1,2,3<br />
E. montanum broad-leaved willowherb 91-96 1,2,3<br />
E. roseum pale-flowered w’herb 91-96 1,2<br />
Erophila verna common whitlow-grass 91-96 3<br />
Epipactius helleborine br-leaved helleborine 98<br />
E. purpurata violet helleborine 1888<br />
Euphorbia peplus petty spurge 91-96 2<br />
Filipendula ulmaria meadowsweet 91-96 1<br />
Fragaria vesca wild strawberry 91-96 2<br />
Fumaria <strong>of</strong>ficinale common fumitory 91-96 3<br />
Galanthus nivalis snowdrop 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Galeopsis tetrahit common hemp-nettle 91-96 1,3<br />
Galium aparine cleavers 91-96 1,2,3<br />
G.odoratum sweet woodruff 91-96 1,2,3<br />
G. mollugo hedge bedstraw 91-96 3<br />
G. palustre marsh bedstraw 91-96 1<br />
G. saxatile heath bedstraw 91-96 1,3<br />
Geranium dissectum cut-leaved crane’s-bill 91-96 3<br />
G.endressii French crane’s-bill 91-96 1,2<br />
G. lucidum shining crane’s-bill 91-96 1<br />
G.pratense meadow crane’s-bill 91-96 3<br />
G. pyrenaicum hedgerow crane’s-bill 91-96 3<br />
G. robertianum herb robert 91-96 1,2,3<br />
G. sanguineum bloody crane’s-bill 91-96 2<br />
Geum urbanum herb bennett 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Glechoma hederacea ground ivy 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Hedera helix ivy 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Heracleum sphondylium hogweed 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Hesperis matronalis dame’s violet 91-96 1<br />
Hieracium spp hawkweed 91-96 1,2,3,<br />
Hyacinthoides non-scriptus bluebell 91-96 1,2,3-BAP<br />
Hyacinthoides orientalis hyacinth 91-96 1,2,3,<br />
Hydrangea macrophylla hydrangea 91-96 1<br />
Hypericum androsaenum tutsan 91-96 1,2<br />
H. maculatum imperf St John’swort 91-96 1,3<br />
H. perforatum Per St John’swort 91-96 2<br />
H. tetrapterum sq-stalked St John’swort 87<br />
Hypochaeris radicata common cat’s-ear 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Iberis umbellata candytuft 91-96 1<br />
Impatiens glandulifera Himalayan balsam 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Iris psedacorus yellow flag 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Lactuca serriola prickly lettuce 91-96 1<br />
Lamiastrum galeobdolon yellow archangel 98 1,2,3<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 13
Lamium album white dead-nettle 91-96 1,2,3<br />
L. maculatum spotted dead-nettle 91-96 3<br />
L. purpureum red dead-nettle 91-96 3<br />
Lapsana communis nipplewort 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Lathraea squamaria toothwort 91-96 1<br />
LRDB-A<br />
Lathrys pratensis meadow vetchling 91-96 3<br />
Lavatera arborea tree mallow 91-96 2<br />
Leontodon autumnalis autumn hawkbit 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Leucathemum vulgare oxeye daisy 87<br />
Linaria purpurea purple toadflax 91-96 2<br />
Lonicera nitida Wilson’s honeysuckle 91-96 1,2,3<br />
L perclymenum honeysuckle 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Lotus corniculatus common bird’sfoot trefoil 91-96 3<br />
L. pedunculatus greater bird’sfoot trefoil 91-96 3<br />
Lunaria annua honesty 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Lysichiton americanus yellow skunk cabbage 91-96 4<br />
Lysimachia nemorum yellow pimpernel 91-96 1,2,3<br />
L. punctata dotted loosestrife 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Mahonia aquifolium Oregon grape 91-96 3<br />
Matricaria matricarioides pineapple weed 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Mecanopsis cambrica Welsh poppy 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Melampyrum pratense common cow wheat 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Mercurialis perennis dog’s mercury 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Moehringia trinervia three-veined sandwort 98 1<br />
Mycelis muralis wall lettuce 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Myosotis arvensis common for-get-me-not 91-96 1,2<br />
M. scorpioides water for-get-me-not 91-96 1,3<br />
M. sylvatica wood-for-get-me-not 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Myrrhis odorata sweet cicely 91-96 3<br />
Narcissus pseudonarcissus daffodil 91-96 1,2,3-<br />
LRDBA<br />
Oxalis acetosella wood sorrel 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Plantago major rat’s-tail <strong>plan</strong>tain 91-96 1,2,3<br />
P. lanceolata ribwort <strong>plan</strong>tain 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Polygonatum x hybridum Solomon’s seal 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Polygonum aviculare knotgrass 91-96 1,2,3<br />
P. persicaria redshank 91-96 3<br />
P.lapathifolium pale persicaria 91-96 3<br />
P. polystachium Himalayan knotweed 87<br />
Potentilla anserina silverweed 91-96 3<br />
P. erecta tormentil 91-96 3<br />
P. reptans creeping cinquefoil 91-96 1,2,3<br />
P. sterilis barren strawberry 91-96 3<br />
Prunella vulgaris selfheal 91-96 1,3<br />
Pulmonaria sp. pulmonaria 91-96 3<br />
Pseud<strong>of</strong>umaria lutea yellow corydalis 95<br />
Ranunculus acris meadow buttercup 91-96 1,2,3<br />
R. ficaria lesser celandine 91-96 1,2,3<br />
R. flammula lesser spearwort 91-96 1<br />
R. repens creeping buttercup 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Rhinanthus minor yellow rattle 91-96 3<br />
LRDBA<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 14
Rorippa sylvestris creeping yellow cress 91-96 3<br />
Rumex acetosella agg sheep’s sorrel 91-96 2<br />
R. acetosa common sorrel 91-96 1,2,3<br />
R. conglomeratus sharp dock 91-96 2,3<br />
R. crispus curled dock 91-96 1,2,3<br />
R. obtusifolius broad-leaved dock 91-96 1,2,3<br />
R. sanguineus blood-veined dock 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Sagina procumbens procumbent pearlwort 91-96 2<br />
Sanicula europaea sanicle 91-96 1,3<br />
LRDB-A<br />
Saxifraga x urbium London pride 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Scabiosa caucasia garden scabious 87<br />
Scrophularia nodosa figwort 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Scutellaria galericulata skullcap 98<br />
Sedum spectabile sedum 87 1<br />
S. spurium sedum 87 2<br />
Senecio jacobaea ragwort 91-96 1,2,3<br />
S. squalidus Oxford ragwort 91-96 1,2,3<br />
S. viscosus sticky groundsel 91-96 1<br />
S. vulgaris groundsel 87 1,2,3<br />
Silene dioica red campion 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Sinapis arvensis charlock 87<br />
Sisymbrium <strong>of</strong>ficinale hedge mustard 91-96 2,3<br />
Solidago canadensis Canadian golden-rod 91-96 2<br />
Sonchus arvensis corn sow-thistle 91-96 2<br />
S. asper prickly sow-thistle 91-96 1,2,3<br />
S. oleraceus smooth sow-thistle 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Sparganium erectum branched bur-reed 87<br />
Spiraea salicifolia bridewort 91-96 1,3<br />
Stachys sylvatica hegde woundwort 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Stellaria graminea lesser stichwort 91-96 3<br />
S. holostea greater stichwort 91-96 1,2,3<br />
S. media chickweed 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Symphytum grandiflorum dwarf comfrey 91-96 3<br />
S. <strong>of</strong>ficinale common comfrey 91-96 2<br />
Tanacetum parthenium feverfew 91-96<br />
Tanacetum vulgare tansy 91-96 3<br />
Taraxacum <strong>of</strong>fincinale dandelion 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Teucrium scrodonia wood sage 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Thalictrum adiantifolium meadow rue 91-96 2,3<br />
Tolmiea menziesii pig-a-back <strong>plan</strong>t 91-96 1,2<br />
Torilis japonica hedge parsley 87<br />
Tripleurospermum inodorum scentless mayweed 91-96 3<br />
Trifolium dubium lesser trefoil 91-96 2,3<br />
T. hybridum alsike clover 91-96 3<br />
T medium zig-zag clover 91-96 3<br />
T pratense red clover 91-96 3<br />
T. repens white clover 91-96 2,3<br />
Tritonia x crocosmiflora montbretia 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Tussilago farfara colt’sfoot 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Urtica dioica stinging nettle 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Vaccinium myrtillus bilberry 91-96 1,3<br />
Valeriana <strong>of</strong>ficinalis common valerian 91-96 1,3<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 15
Verbena <strong>of</strong>ficinalis vervain 87<br />
Veronica arvensis wall speedwell 91-96 2,3<br />
V. beccabunga brooklime 91-96 1,3<br />
V chamaedris germander speedwell 91-96 1,2,3<br />
V. filiformis slender speedwell 91-96 1,2,3<br />
V hederifolia ivy speedwell 91-96 1,2,3<br />
V. montana wood speedwell 91-96 1,2,3<br />
V. persica common field speedwell 91-96 3<br />
V serphllifolia thyme-leaved speedwell 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Vicia cracca tufted vetch 91-96 3<br />
V. sativa common vetch 87<br />
V. sepium bush vetch 91-96<br />
Vinca minor lesser periwinkle 91-96 1,2<br />
Viola palustris marsh violet 91-96 3<br />
V. reichenbachiana early dog violet 91-96 3<br />
LRDB-A<br />
V. riviniana dog violet 91-96<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 16
GRASSES, SEDGES AND RUSHES<br />
Agrostis canina ssp canina velvet bent 91-96 3<br />
A. canina ssp montana brown bent 91-96 3<br />
A. gigantea black bent 91-96 1,2,3<br />
A. stolonifera creeping bent 91-96 1,3<br />
A. capillaris common bent 87 1,2,3<br />
Alopecrus myosuroides slender foxtail 91-96 2<br />
A. pratensis meadow foxtail 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Anthoxanthum odoratum sweet vernal grass 91-96 3<br />
Arrhenatherum elatius false oat-grass 91-96 1,3<br />
Bromus ramosus hairy brome 87<br />
Carex binervis green-ribbed sedge 91-96 1,2,3<br />
C. laevigata smooth-stalked sedge 91-96 1,3<br />
C. pendula pendulous sedge 91-96 1,2,3<br />
C. pilulifera pill sedge 91-96 2<br />
C. remota remote sedge 98<br />
C. sylvatica wood sedge 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Cynosurus cristatus crested dog’s-tail 91-96 3<br />
Dactylis glomerata cock’sfoot grass 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Deschampsia cespitosa tufted hair-grass 91-96 1,2,3<br />
D. flexuosa wavy hair-grass 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Elymus caninus bearded couch 91-96 1,2,3<br />
E. repens couch grass 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Festuca gigantea giant fescue 91-96 1,2,3<br />
F. ovina sheep’s fescue 91-96 3<br />
F. rubra red fescue 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Glceria fluitans flote grass 91-96 1,3<br />
Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog 91-96 1,2,3<br />
H. mollis creeping s<strong>of</strong>t-grass 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Juncus articulatus jointed rush 87<br />
J. bulbosus bulbous rush 91-96 1<br />
J. effusus s<strong>of</strong>t rush 91-96 1,2,3<br />
J. tenuis slender rush 91-96 2<br />
Lolium perenne rye-grass 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Luzula campestris Good Friday grass 91-96 3<br />
L. pilosa hairy woodrush 98 1,2,3<br />
L. sylvatica great woodrush 98 1,2,3<br />
Milium effusum wood millet 98 1,2,3<br />
Molinea caerulea purple moor-grass 91-96 1<br />
Phalaris arundinacea reed canary-grass 91-96 1,3<br />
P. arundinacea var picta gardener’s garters 87<br />
Phleum pratense ssp bert’nii small-lvd timothy 91-96 3<br />
P. pratense timothy 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Poa annua annual meadow-grass 91-96 1,2,3<br />
P. nemoralis wood meadow-grass 91-96 3<br />
P. pratensis smooth meadow-grass 91-96 1,2,3<br />
P. trivialis rough meadow-grass 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Trisetum flavescens yellow oat-grass 91-96 3<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 17
FERNS<br />
Asplenium ruta-muraria wall rue 91-96 3<br />
Athyrium filix-femina lady fern 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Blechnum spicant hard fern 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Dryopteris affinis scaly male fern 91-96 3<br />
D. dilatata broad buckler-fern 91-96 1,2,3<br />
D. filix-mas male fern 91-96 1,2,3<br />
Equisetum arvense field horsetail 91-96 3,<br />
Phyllitis scolopendrium hart’s-tongue fern 91-96 3<br />
Pteridium aquilinum bracken 91-96 1,2,3<br />
FUNGI<br />
Records from ‘Fungi in Ecclesall Woods’ Tony Lyon. Published in ‘The Natural<br />
History <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods’ Special Publication No. 1. July 1997. Edited by<br />
I.D.Rotherham and Melvyn Jones.<br />
Myxomycota (slime moulds)<br />
Lycogala epidendrum Tree stumps / fallen trees<br />
Eumycota (true fungi)<br />
Ascomycotina (cup and flask fungi)<br />
Aleuria aurantia Damp soil, ditches<br />
Anthrocobia macrocystis Found commonly on burnt<br />
ground in autumn<br />
Ascocoryne sarcoides Old stumps and old decaying<br />
logs <strong>of</strong><br />
beech and other trees<br />
Bulgaria inquinans On fallen trees and branches<br />
Cordyceps militaris<br />
Diatrype disciformis In autumn and winter on dead<br />
branches <strong>of</strong> beech and other<br />
trees<br />
Hellvella crispa In woodlands beside paths<br />
H. lacunosa Often on burnt ground<br />
Hypoxylon fraiforme On dead branches and trunks<br />
especially beech.<br />
H. multiformi<br />
Microsphaera aiphitoides<br />
Mollisia cinerea<br />
Nectria cinnabarina ‘coral spot’ - common on<br />
newly fallen<br />
twigs and branches<br />
Neobulgaria pura<br />
Peziza echinospora Burnt soil and charcoal from<br />
late<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 18
spring until autumn<br />
P. repanda Usually associated with wood<br />
fragments<br />
Scutellinia scutellata<br />
Ustulina deusta Dead root <strong>of</strong> beech and other<br />
trees<br />
Xylaria hypoxylon Tree stumps / fallen branches<br />
X. polymorpha<br />
Basidiomycotina<br />
Cantharellales (chanterelles & relatives)<br />
Cantharellus infundibuliformis Damp woodland<br />
Craterellus cornucopioides Fallen leaves, deciduous<br />
<strong>woods</strong>.<br />
Clavariales (fairy clubs & coral fungi)<br />
Clavulina cinerea Damp, bare ground <strong>woods</strong>,<br />
ditches<br />
C. cristata “ “ “ “<br />
“<br />
Clavulinopsis fusiformis<br />
C. helvola Found in the open<br />
Hydnales (hedgehog fungi)<br />
Hydnum rufescens Woodland, <strong>of</strong>ten in groups or<br />
rings<br />
Poriales (polypores)<br />
Aurantioporus fissilis<br />
Bjerkandera adjusta Trunks / stumps deciduous<br />
trees<br />
Coriolus versicolour Dead wood <strong>of</strong> a variety <strong>of</strong><br />
trees Daedaleopsis confragosa<br />
Datronia mollis<br />
Grifola frondosa Base <strong>of</strong> oak trees<br />
Heterbasidion annosum Stumps and coniferous roots<br />
rarely on deciduous trees<br />
Laetiporus sulphureus Living and dead deciduous<br />
trees esp. oak, poplar, willow<br />
Phaeolus schweinitzii Base <strong>of</strong> conifers esp. pine.<br />
Physisporinus vitreus<br />
Piptoporus betulinus Exclusively on birch<br />
Polyporus brumalis On buried sticks and pieces <strong>of</strong><br />
wood<br />
P. ciliatus<br />
Postia caesia<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 19
P. lactea<br />
Pseudotrametes gibbosa Fallen branches<br />
Rigidoporus ulmarius<br />
Schixopora paradoxa The bark <strong>of</strong> fallen branches <strong>of</strong><br />
all<br />
types <strong>of</strong> trees<br />
Gandodermatles (polypores)<br />
Ganoderma adspersum Dead/living beech birch<br />
hornbeam<br />
Ganoderma ap<strong>plan</strong>atum A wide variety <strong>of</strong> trees esp.<br />
beech<br />
Fistulinales (polypores)<br />
Fistulina hepatica Foot <strong>of</strong> living oak or their<br />
stumps<br />
Stereales (resupinate fungi)<br />
Chondostereum purpureum<br />
Merulius tremellosus<br />
Stereum hirsutum Living/dead wood <strong>of</strong><br />
deciduous trees<br />
S.gausapatum On logs, fence posts and<br />
standing<br />
and fallen timber<br />
S. rugosum On stumps and fallen<br />
branches and<br />
trunks, also on living trees<br />
Vuilleminia comedens<br />
Thelephorales (earth fans)<br />
Thelephora terrestris Bare sandy ground, conifer<br />
<strong>woods</strong><br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 20
Dacrymycetales (jelly fungi)<br />
Calocera cornea Deciduous trees<br />
C. pallidospathulata<br />
C.viscosa Stumps <strong>of</strong> conifers<br />
Auriculariales (jelly fungi)<br />
Hirneola auricula-judae<br />
Tremellales Jelly fungi)<br />
Tremella mesenterica Fallen branches esp.<br />
oak/hornbeam<br />
Boletales (boletes & related fungi)<br />
Boletus badius Grows under spruce, pine less<br />
frequently under deciduous<br />
trees<br />
B. chrysenteron Deciduous and coniferous<br />
<strong>woods</strong><br />
B. edulis Spruce <strong>woods</strong> in summer<br />
beech,oak<br />
and pine <strong>woods</strong> in autumn<br />
B. erythropus Deciduous <strong>woods</strong> esp under<br />
beech<br />
B. pruinatus<br />
B. subtomentosus Deciduous coniferous <strong>woods</strong><br />
Leccinum scabrum In <strong>woods</strong>, parks hedgerows<br />
clearings<br />
Suillus grevillei Exclusively under larch<br />
Tylopilus felleus Acid soil under mainly<br />
coniferous<br />
Paxillus involutus<br />
Pluteales (pink spored agarics)<br />
Leptonia sericella<br />
Pluteus cervinus Rotting stumps and fallen<br />
trees<br />
Volvariella speciosa Rotting grass or straw, also on<br />
compost heaps<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 21
Agarcales (dark-spored agarics)<br />
Agrocybe cylindracea<br />
A. praecox Grassy patches in meadows<br />
and<br />
light <strong>woods</strong><br />
Coprinus micaceus On the ground around trees<br />
and<br />
stumps or on them<br />
C. atrementarius By tree stumps<br />
C. disseminatus Rotten stumps<br />
C. domesticus<br />
C.lagopides On leaf litter and small twigs<br />
Cortinarius semisanguineus Under birch<br />
Crepidotus lutolus<br />
C.mollis On wood<br />
C.variabilis Fallen branches/ rotting<br />
foliage<br />
Gymnopilus penetrans Stumps <strong>of</strong> conifers esp. pine<br />
Hebeloma crustuliniforme Under trees<br />
Hypholoma fasciculare Stumps and timber <strong>of</strong> various<br />
trees<br />
H. sublateritium Stumps <strong>of</strong> deciduous trees<br />
Inocybe asterospora<br />
I. bongardii Grows on limestone under<br />
deciduous<br />
trees. occ. under conifers<br />
I. flocculosa<br />
I. geophylla var lilacina Under deciduous trees. occ.<br />
conifers<br />
Pholiota squrrosa At the base <strong>of</strong> deciduous trees<br />
Psathyrella gracilis On leaf litter and sticks in<br />
mixed<br />
woodlands<br />
P. hydrophila Stumps / trunks deciduous<br />
trees<br />
Simocybe centunculus<br />
Stropharia squamosa<br />
Tricholomatales (white-spored agarics)<br />
Aminanta citrina Abundant in woodlands<br />
A. citrina var alba<br />
A. excelsa<br />
A. fulva Usually associated with birch,<br />
on<br />
peaty soils<br />
A. rubescens Abundant in woodlands<br />
A. vaginata Abundant in <strong>woods</strong> <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
under birch<br />
Armillaria bulbosa<br />
A. mellea Clusters on stumps, roots and<br />
live<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 22
trunks <strong>of</strong> conifers & deciduous<br />
trees<br />
Calocybe gambosum<br />
the edge<br />
St George’s mushroom. On<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>woods</strong>.<br />
Clitocybe clavipes<br />
beech<br />
C. geotropa<br />
In conifer <strong>woods</strong> also under<br />
C. infundibuliformis<br />
with<br />
Abundant in coniferous <strong>woods</strong><br />
grass and moss<br />
C. nebularis All types <strong>of</strong> woodland<br />
Collybia fusipes<br />
trees<br />
C. cirrhata<br />
At the base <strong>of</strong> beech and oak<br />
C. dryophila<br />
frequently oak<br />
All types <strong>of</strong> woodland,<br />
C. maculata<br />
concealed in<br />
conifers<br />
Grows on rotting wood<br />
the ground or on stumps on<br />
C. peronata On rotting leaves or needles<br />
Flammulina velutipes<br />
deciduous<br />
Hohenbuehelia grisea<br />
Stumps at the base <strong>of</strong><br />
trees<br />
Laccaria amethystea<br />
woodland<br />
Rotten wood in all types <strong>of</strong><br />
L. laccata<br />
L. proxima<br />
Abundant in all types <strong>of</strong> <strong>woods</strong><br />
Lepista nuda<br />
woodland<br />
Abundant in humus on<br />
floor, esp. spruce growths<br />
Lyophyllum decastes All types <strong>of</strong> <strong>woods</strong> esp. beech<br />
Marasmius ramealis<br />
Mycena filopes<br />
Twigs esp. bramble and rose<br />
M. galericulata<br />
timber <strong>of</strong><br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>usely on stumps and<br />
deciduous trees<br />
M. galopus<br />
coniferous<br />
Grows in deciduous and<br />
<strong>woods</strong><br />
M. inclinata Dense clusters on oak stumps<br />
M. leucogala<br />
M. oortiana<br />
On burnt ground<br />
M. pura All types <strong>of</strong> woodland<br />
M. stylobates<br />
Myxomphalia maura<br />
<strong>woods</strong><br />
Burnt ground in coniferous<br />
Oudemansiella radicata<br />
and<br />
Deciduous <strong>woods</strong> on stumps<br />
rotting wood in the ground<br />
Ecclesall Panellus Woods Management sertinus Plan Appendices Page 23
Pleurotus cornucopiae Trunks <strong>of</strong> deciduous trees<br />
P. ostreatus “ “ “ “<br />
Tricholoma terreum All types <strong>of</strong> woodland esp.<br />
limestone<br />
T. platyphylla<br />
Strobilurus tenacellus<br />
Russulales (milk and cheese-caps)<br />
Lactarius blennius Under beech trees<br />
L. glyciosmus Abundant under birch in mixed<br />
woodland and along their<br />
edges<br />
L. quietus On the ground near oak trees<br />
L. rufus Abundant in mixed woodland<br />
L. subdulcis Mixed woodland <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
associated<br />
with beech<br />
L. tabidus Usually amongst Sphagnum<br />
associated with birch<br />
L. turpis Abundant in spruce <strong>woods</strong><br />
under<br />
birch<br />
Russula aeruginea Woods and parks esp. under<br />
birch<br />
and spruce<br />
R. atropurpurea Grows under oak and pine<br />
R. cyanoxantha All types <strong>of</strong> woodland esp.<br />
oak/beech<br />
R. fellea All types <strong>of</strong> wood esp. beech<br />
R. mairei Under beech<br />
R. nigricans Abundant in all wood types<br />
R. nitida Frequently with Sphagnum<br />
R. ochroleuca Abundant in spruce <strong>woods</strong><br />
R. parazurea Abundant in coniferous <strong>woods</strong><br />
esp.<br />
spruce <strong>woods</strong><br />
R. puellaris Associated with birch<br />
R. rosea In beech <strong>woods</strong><br />
R. sororia Parks and along roads esp.<br />
oaks<br />
R. violeipes<br />
Gasteromycetes<br />
Sclerodermatales (earth-balls)<br />
Scleroderma citrinum Sandy pine <strong>woods</strong> on bare<br />
ground<br />
and along forest tracks<br />
Lycoperdales (puff-balls)<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 24
Lycoperdon foetidum<br />
L. perlatum All types <strong>of</strong> wood<br />
L. pyriforme On old stumps and dead roots<br />
<strong>of</strong><br />
trees<br />
Phallales (stinkhorns)<br />
Mutinus caninus In woodlands<br />
Phallus impudicus In humus in deciduous<br />
woodland<br />
Teliomycetes (rust and smut fungi)<br />
Uromyces muscari<br />
LICHENS<br />
Bacidia arnoldiana agg Pycnidiate form widespread<br />
on branches <strong>of</strong> elder and tree<br />
branches<br />
1993<br />
B. naegelii On single elder by Whirlowdale<br />
Road<br />
1983<br />
Chaenotheca ferruginea Locally present on trunks <strong>of</strong> the<br />
largest trees in sheltered areas<br />
1993<br />
Cladonia caespiticia Well developed on a single tree stump<br />
1993<br />
C. chlorophaea Five records from tree bases and<br />
stumps<br />
1993<br />
C. coniocraea Frequent on tree bases and stumps<br />
1993<br />
C. fimbriata Four records from tree bases and<br />
fallen trunks<br />
1993<br />
C. macilenta On a single tree stump<br />
1993<br />
C. polydactyla Tree records from bases <strong>of</strong> oak and<br />
birch<br />
1993<br />
C. pyxidata Base <strong>of</strong> a sweet chestnut<br />
1993<br />
C. squamosa On a fallen tree trunk<br />
1993<br />
Dimerella pineti Seen four times on base <strong>of</strong> ash<br />
oak and sweet chestnut<br />
1993<br />
Evernia prunastri Seen 16 time as a tiny thalli on<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 25
leaning trunks <strong>of</strong> sycamore<br />
1993<br />
Hypocenomyce scalaris<br />
1993<br />
Five records from trunks <strong>of</strong> oak<br />
and sweet chestnut<br />
Hypogmnia physodes<br />
1993<br />
Seen 74 times; oak 32, sweet<br />
chestnut 34, sycamore 6, elder 4<br />
birch 3, log 1. Chiefly on horizontal<br />
or inclined bark surfaces<br />
H. tubulosa<br />
1993<br />
Four records from inclined tree trunks<br />
Lecanora conizaeoides<br />
1993<br />
Abundant<br />
L. dispersa<br />
1993<br />
On elder<br />
Lepraria incana agg.<br />
1993<br />
Abundant<br />
Micarea botryoides<br />
1993<br />
Pycnidiate form on a sweet chestnut<br />
and base <strong>of</strong> ash<br />
M. denigrata<br />
1993<br />
Occ. on trunks <strong>of</strong> sycamore and<br />
bases <strong>of</strong> oak. This easily overlooked<br />
species may be more abundant<br />
than records indicate<br />
M. prasina<br />
1993<br />
Occ., on a wide range <strong>of</strong> trees,<br />
stumps and logs<br />
Parmelia perlata<br />
1993<br />
One tiny thallus on a leaning<br />
sycamore<br />
P. revoluta<br />
1993<br />
On a leaning sweet chestnut<br />
P. saxitilis<br />
1993<br />
Seen eight times, chiefly on oak<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 26
P. subaurifera Twelve records chiefly from leaning<br />
sycamore or horizontal boughs <strong>of</strong><br />
oak<br />
1993<br />
P. sulcata Seen 169 times; sycamore 52, oak 50,<br />
sweet chestnut 35, elder 15, ash 9,<br />
birch 4, rowan 1, willow 1, beech 1<br />
horse chestnut 1. Chiefly on inclined<br />
bark surfaces<br />
1993<br />
Parmeliopsis ambigua Well developed populations on the<br />
base <strong>of</strong> sweet chestnut<br />
1993<br />
Phaeophyscia orbicularis Three records, two on elder one<br />
on eutrophicated sycamore<br />
1993<br />
Physcia tenella Young thalli seen 16 times, mostly<br />
on elder<br />
1993<br />
Placynthiella icmalea Widespread on sloping trunks<br />
1993<br />
P. uliginosa On a single leaning ash<br />
1993<br />
Platismatia glauca Seen seven times. On inclined<br />
bark<br />
1993<br />
Pseudevernia furfuracea A small thallus on horizontal<br />
bough <strong>of</strong> oak<br />
1993<br />
Ramalina farinacea Seen 14 times. Always as a tiny thalli<br />
mostly on leaning sycamore<br />
1993<br />
Ramonia luteola A single thallus on elder<br />
1993<br />
Scoliciosporum chlorococcum Occ. on sycamore. Possibly<br />
overlooked.<br />
1993<br />
Trapeliopsis flexuosa Occ. on logs, stumps and fallen<br />
trees<br />
1993<br />
T. granulosa Frequent on logs, stumps and<br />
trees<br />
1993<br />
Usnea subfloridana A small group <strong>of</strong> thalli up to 15mm<br />
long on a fallen sycamore<br />
1993<br />
Xanthoria parietina Two records, each <strong>of</strong> a small lobe<br />
On a sycamore<br />
1993<br />
X. polycarpa Three records, each <strong>of</strong> small thalli<br />
on elder<br />
1993<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 27
Bibliography<br />
Baker, A.J. and Rotherham, I.D. 1995 Ecclesall Woods - Summary<br />
Management Plan.<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> Centre for Ecology and<br />
Environmental Management<br />
Blockeel, T.L 1985 Bryophytes in Ecclesall Woods<br />
Blockeel, T.L 1990 Bryophytes <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods<br />
Sorby Record 60: 33 - 34<br />
Firkins, G.J. 1990 A Report <strong>of</strong> the Vegetation Survey <strong>of</strong><br />
Ecclesall Woods<br />
Sorby Record 33 - 55<br />
Firkins, G.J. 1987 Ecclesall Woods - A Preliminary<br />
Report.<br />
Funded by The Department <strong>of</strong><br />
Land<br />
and Planning<br />
Gilbert, O. 1993 The lichens <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods 1993<br />
A baseline Survey<br />
In The Natural History <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall<br />
Woods. Peak District Journal <strong>of</strong><br />
Natural History and Archaeology<br />
Special Publication No. 1 July<br />
1997<br />
Medforth, P. 1995 The Birds <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Ecology Unit.<br />
Student<br />
Management Study, <strong>Sheffield</strong><br />
Hallam<br />
<strong>University</strong><br />
Eds. Rotherham, I.D. 1997 The Natural History <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall<br />
Woods<br />
and Jones, M. Peak District Journal <strong>of</strong> Natural<br />
History and Archaeology - a<br />
collection <strong>of</strong><br />
papers including coppice<br />
<strong>management</strong><br />
birds, lichens, fungi and bryophytes<br />
Rotherham, I.D. and Doram, G. 1990 A Preliminary Study <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Vegetation <strong>of</strong><br />
Ecclesall Woods in relation to former<br />
Management.<br />
Sorby Record 60: 60 - 70<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> Bird Study Group 1990- Bird Record.<br />
1997<br />
Smith, H. - Bird Records. From Recorder<br />
Smyllie, B. and Smyllie, W. 1990 Ecclesall Woods: some vascular <strong>plan</strong>t<br />
additions<br />
Sorby Record 60: 56 - 60<br />
Smyllie, B. 1998 Ecclesall Woods rare <strong>plan</strong>ts<br />
Sorby Natural History Society 1990 The Natural History <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall<br />
Woods<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 28
Sorby Record No. 27 - a collection<br />
<strong>of</strong> papers covering archaeology,<br />
moths,<br />
bryophytes, vascular <strong>plan</strong>ts<br />
Whiteley, D. and Richards, P. - Invertebrate records<br />
From RECORDER City Museum<br />
Weston<br />
Park<br />
Woodcock, A 1991- Vascular <strong>plan</strong>ts in Ecclesall Woods<br />
1996 Sorby Natural History Society<br />
FAUNA<br />
MAMMALS<br />
Apodemus sylvaticus wood mouse post 1980<br />
Arvicola terrestris water vole BAP - SL post 1980<br />
Capreolus capreolus roe deer BAP/LRDB - A<br />
Cervus elaphus red deer BAP/LRDB - A<br />
Clethrionomys glareolus bank vole post 1980<br />
Erinaceus europaeus hedgehog BAP - post 1980<br />
Meles meles badger BAP/LRDB - B<br />
Oryctolagus cuniculus rabbit post 1980<br />
Rattus norvegicus brown rat post 1980<br />
Sciurus carolinensis grey squirrel post 1980<br />
S. vulgaris red squirrel last records from the 1950’s<br />
BAP - SL/LRDB - A<br />
Sorex araneus common shrew post 1980<br />
S. minutus pygmy shrew post 1980<br />
Talpa europaea mole post 1980<br />
Vulpes vulpes fox post 1980<br />
AMPHIBIANS<br />
Bufo bufo common toad BAP<br />
Rana temporaria common frog BAP<br />
REPTILES<br />
Natrix natrix grass snake LRDB - A/BAP<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 29
BIRDS<br />
Records from ‘The Birds <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods’ Paul Medforth and Ian D.<br />
Rotherham in ‘The Natural History <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods’ Edited by Ian D.<br />
Rotherham and Melvyn Jones 1997. Harold ‘Smith Bird Records’ <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall<br />
Wood from RECORDER.<br />
BS = Bird sanctuary<br />
Ardea cinerea grey heron occasional visitor<br />
4.4.90<br />
Areas 3,4,5,BS<br />
Anas platyrhynchos mallard resident breeder<br />
Accipiter nisus sparrowhawk resident breeder<br />
29.3.97<br />
Areas 3,4,BS<br />
Buteo buteo buzzard scarce breeder<br />
LRDB - A<br />
30.6.86<br />
Falco tinnunculus Kestrel resident breeder<br />
28.4.90<br />
F. subbuteo hobby rare summer visitor<br />
1948<br />
(breeding)<br />
F. Peregrinus peregrine scarce visitor<br />
Lagopus lagopus red grouse rare winter visitor<br />
1941<br />
Phasianus colchicus pheasant former breeder<br />
WWII 3,4<br />
Crex crex corncrake former breeder on<br />
nearby farmland<br />
Vanellus vanellus lapwing resident breeder on<br />
nearby farmland. Area<br />
4 in 1920’s & 30’s<br />
Gallinago gallinago snipe rare visitor<br />
LRDB - B Area 3<br />
18.1.85<br />
Scolopax rusticola woodcock scarce resident breeder<br />
and winter visitor.<br />
11.6.94<br />
Area 1,BS<br />
Larus ridibundis black-headed gull visitor<br />
LRDB - B<br />
Columba oenas stock dove resident breeder<br />
18.6.84<br />
Area BS<br />
Actitis hypoleucos Common sand-<br />
piper<br />
1997<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 30
Larus fuscus Lesser black-<br />
backed gull<br />
1997<br />
C. palumbus woodpigeon resident breeder and<br />
winter visitor<br />
25.2.95<br />
Streptopelia decaocto collared dove resident breeder<br />
21.12.82<br />
S. turtur turtle dove former resident breeder<br />
Cuculus canorus cuckoo summer visitor<br />
23.4.92<br />
Areas 1, 2, 3<br />
Athene noctua little owl resident breeder in<br />
nearby farmland<br />
Strix aluco tawny owl resident breeder<br />
27.12.98<br />
Area 3<br />
Asio otus long eared owl rare breeder<br />
1918<br />
LRDB - A<br />
Caprimulgus europaeus nightjar former breeder<br />
1927<br />
LRDB - A<br />
Apus apus swift resident. Area 1<br />
5.5.95<br />
Alcedo atthis kingfisher resident breeder<br />
LRDB - B<br />
Picus viridus green woodpecker uncommon resident<br />
LRDB - B Area BS<br />
28.3.93<br />
Dendrocopos major greater spotted wp resident breeder<br />
29.3.97<br />
Areas 1,3,4,BS<br />
D. minor lesser spotted wp resident breeder<br />
LRDB - A<br />
Areas 3,4,BS<br />
29.3.97<br />
Hirundo rustica swallow common summer visitor<br />
Delichon urbica house martin summer visitor<br />
Anthus trivialis tree pipit former migrant breeder/<br />
passage visitor<br />
A. pratensis meadow pipit passage visitor<br />
1987,88<br />
Motacilla alba pied wagtail resident<br />
20.4.93<br />
Bombycilla garrulus waxwing winter/passage visitor<br />
1960’s<br />
Cinclus cinclus dipper resident<br />
LRDB - B<br />
Area 3<br />
12.1.91<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 31
Troglodytes troglodytes wren resident breeder<br />
25.2.95<br />
Area 3,BS<br />
Prunella modularis dunnock resident breeder<br />
31.5.93<br />
Area 3,BS<br />
Erithacus rubecula robin resident breeder<br />
25.2.95 Areas 3<br />
Phoenicurus phenicurus redstart summer visitor<br />
1996<br />
Saxicola rubetra whinchat scarce bird <strong>of</strong> passage<br />
1965<br />
LRDB - B<br />
Turdus merula blackbird resident breeder<br />
2.6.96<br />
Area 3,4,BS<br />
T. pilaris fieldfare winter visitor<br />
T philomelos song thrush resident breeder<br />
BAP -SL<br />
Area 3 ,4<br />
3.6.96<br />
T. iliacus redwing winter visitor<br />
26.1.91<br />
Areas 2,3<br />
T. viscivorus mistle thrush resident breeder<br />
2.6.96<br />
Area 3,BS<br />
Sylvia curruca lesser whitethroat passage migrant<br />
S. communis comm. whitethroat summer visitor<br />
1965<br />
S. borin garden warbler migrant breeder<br />
S. atricapilla blackcap migrant breeder<br />
31.5.93<br />
Area 3,4<br />
Phylloscopus sibilatrix wood warbler summer visitor<br />
27.5.89<br />
Areas 1,2,3<br />
P. collybita chiffchaff summer breeder<br />
29.3.97<br />
Areas 1,2,3,4,BS<br />
P. trochilus willow warbler summer visitor<br />
31.5.93<br />
Area 3<br />
Regulus regulus goldcrest resident breeder<br />
28.4.90<br />
Area 3<br />
Muscipapa striata spotted flycatcher scarce summer visitor<br />
14.6.84<br />
Area BS<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 32
Ficedula hypoleuca pied flycatcher summer visitor and<br />
LRDB -A<br />
breeder. Area 3<br />
15.5.94<br />
Aegithalos caudatus long tailed tit resident breeder<br />
25.2.95<br />
Areas 1,2,BS<br />
Parus palustris marsh tit possible breeder<br />
unconfirmed record<br />
P. montanus willow tit resident breeder<br />
31.12.82<br />
P. ater coal tit resident breeder<br />
28.6.84<br />
Area 3<br />
P. caeruleus blue tit resident breeder<br />
25.2.95<br />
Area 1,3,BS<br />
P. major great tit resident breeder<br />
25.2.95<br />
Area 3,BS<br />
Sitta europaea nuthatch resident breeder<br />
25.2.95<br />
Areas 1,2,3,BS<br />
Certhia familiaris treecreeper resident breeder<br />
25.2.95<br />
Area 1,2,3,BS<br />
Garrulus glandarius jay resident breeder<br />
3.7.96<br />
Area 1,3,5,BS<br />
Pica pica magpie resident breeder<br />
28.3.93<br />
Area 3,BS<br />
Corvus frugilegus rook resident<br />
28.2.94<br />
C. monedula jackdaw resident<br />
30.11.93<br />
C. corone carrion crow resident breeder<br />
31.5.93<br />
Area 3<br />
Sturnus vulgaris starling resident breeder<br />
7.4.93<br />
Area 3<br />
Passer domesticus house sparrow resident<br />
13.4.93<br />
Area 3<br />
P. montanus tree sparrow scarce resident breeder<br />
1976<br />
LRDB - B<br />
Fringilla coelebs chaffinch resident breeder<br />
13.4.93<br />
Area 3, BS<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 33
F. montifringilla brambling winter visitor<br />
1.4.84<br />
Area 3<br />
Carduelis chloris greenfinch resident<br />
31.5.93<br />
Area 3<br />
C. carduelis goldfinch resident<br />
31.5.93<br />
Area 3<br />
C.spinus siskin winter visitor and passage<br />
LRDB - B<br />
migrant<br />
28.12.92<br />
C.cannabina linnet resident breeder on nearby<br />
farmland. Area 4.<br />
31.12.77<br />
C. flammea redpoll resident and winter visitor<br />
31.12.82<br />
Loxia curvirostra common crossbill rare visitor<br />
LRDB - A<br />
Pyrrhula pyrrhula bullfinch resident breeder<br />
31.12.82<br />
C. Coccothraustes hawfinch scarce resident<br />
LRDB - A<br />
Emberiza citrinella yellowhammer breeder on nearby<br />
farmland<br />
Macroinvertebrate fauna <strong>of</strong> the Limb Brook<br />
Amphinemura sulciocollis a stonefly<br />
1977-78<br />
Nemoura sp. a stonefly<br />
1977-78<br />
Isoperla sp. a stonefly<br />
1977-78<br />
Protonemura sp. a stonefly<br />
1977-78<br />
Leuctra hippopus a stonefly<br />
1977-78<br />
Baetis rhodani a mayfly<br />
1977-78<br />
Ecdyonurus venosus a mayfly<br />
1977-78<br />
Hydropsyche instabilis a caddis fly<br />
1977-78<br />
Rhyacophila sp. a caddis fly<br />
1977-78<br />
Phryganea sp. a caddis fly<br />
1977-78<br />
Plectrocnemia sp. a caddis fly<br />
1977-78<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 34
Sialis lutaria alder fly<br />
1977-78<br />
Tipula sp. a true fly<br />
1977-78<br />
Dicranata sp. a true fly<br />
1977-78<br />
Gammarus pulex<br />
1977-78<br />
Polycelis nigra<br />
1977-78<br />
Gordius sp.<br />
1977-78<br />
Eiseniella tetrahedra<br />
1977-78<br />
Lumbriculus variegatus<br />
1977-78<br />
Nais sp.<br />
1977-78<br />
Glossiphonia com<strong>plan</strong>ata<br />
1977-78<br />
Erpobdella octuculata<br />
1977-78<br />
Helobdella stagnalis<br />
1977-78<br />
Ansylastrum fluviatile<br />
1977-78<br />
Limnea perger<br />
1977-78<br />
Hydrobia jenkinsi<br />
1977-78<br />
Sphaerium sp.<br />
1977-78<br />
Tendipes gr. riparius a blood worm<br />
1977-78<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 35
PARKS & COUNTRYSIDE SERVICE<br />
EVENTS POLICY<br />
Aim<br />
To develop a policy for events with appropriate strategies, as a means <strong>of</strong> encouraging<br />
greater community usage <strong>of</strong> Parks, Woodlands and Countryside areas managed by<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council, and to liaise with City Council departments, partner agencies I<br />
other organisations to achieve this aim.<br />
Objectives<br />
Attainment <strong>of</strong> the above aim is achieved through pursuit <strong>of</strong> several key objectives, and<br />
incorporates both development and monitoring functions, these are:<br />
1. Development Objectives<br />
1.1 To facilitate various organisations and groups to stage events in the city's<br />
Parks and Countryside by providing information and advice about relevant<br />
opportunities.<br />
1.2 To organise an annual events programme and to promote and publicise this<br />
throughout Council departments, local community based organisation and<br />
the media.<br />
1.3 To work with <strong>of</strong>ficers from relevant Council departments and sections, and<br />
representatives from external agencies in relation to staging a range<br />
specific events and activities throughout the year.<br />
1.4 To maximise usage and income from events and activities held in City<br />
Council owned Parks and Countryside.<br />
1.5 To provide small amounts <strong>of</strong> grant aid to community based organisations, to<br />
assist them in relation to staging events and activities in Parks and<br />
Countryside, specifically targeting areas <strong>of</strong> disadvantage.<br />
2. Monitoring Objective<br />
2.1 Through liaison with <strong>of</strong>ficers from appropriate City Council departments and<br />
external agencies, to ensure that relevant statutory Council practices and<br />
procedures are complied w including health and safety.<br />
2.2 To ensure that relevant financial procedures and budgetary requirements<br />
are complied with, as detailed in the internal audit report <strong>of</strong> April 2002<br />
2.3 To review the current policies, strategies, procedures and annual events<br />
programme, and where necessary, make recommendations to the<br />
appropriate Council <strong>of</strong>ficers and elected members.<br />
Rev. September 2005<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 36
Development, Environment and Leisure (DEL)<br />
Health and Safety Policy (2006–07)<br />
A Summary for all Employees from the Executive Director<br />
Commitment<br />
The DEL Directorate will make every effort to<br />
deliver its services in line with both the spirit<br />
and the requirements <strong>of</strong> the Corporate Health<br />
and Safety Policy Statement.<br />
At service block level, the Directorate will<br />
expect managers to <strong>plan</strong> for health and safety<br />
wherever possible, which will mean setting<br />
clear objectives, identifying hazards,<br />
assessing risks and implementing standards<br />
<strong>of</strong> performance. This will help to create and<br />
sustain a culture where everyone is<br />
adequately trained, informed, instructed,<br />
supervised and consulted and knows,<br />
accepts and acts upon his/her health and<br />
safety responsibilities.<br />
Directorate Priorities<br />
The Directorate Management Team (DMT) will<br />
agree the health and safety priorities for the<br />
DEL Directorate at service block level. These<br />
will be included in the annual service <strong>plan</strong> for<br />
each area and will complement the corporate<br />
priorities detailed in the Corporate Health and<br />
Safety Policy Statement. The corporate<br />
priorities for 2005/2007 are:<br />
• Managing Change<br />
• Stress<br />
• Partnerships<br />
• Musculoskeletal Disorders<br />
• Learning from Others<br />
1 April 2006<br />
……………………………………….. Date ……………………………..<br />
John Mothersole, Executive Director,<br />
DEL Directorate<br />
If you have a query or comment on any aspect <strong>of</strong> this policy, or<br />
know someone who would like to receive the policy information in<br />
a different way, please, in the first instance, get in touch with the<br />
Senior Health and Safety Adviser for your service area.<br />
How the Policy will be<br />
implemented<br />
As Executive Director, I will ensure, through the<br />
DEL <strong>management</strong> structures, that first and<br />
foremost the Directorate complies with all the<br />
health and safety legislation that is applicable to<br />
its areas <strong>of</strong> business. I will also ensure that the<br />
Directorate monitors and reviews health and<br />
safety performance on an ongoing basis by the<br />
most appropriate and effective means available.<br />
To facilitate this in each individual service block,<br />
my Directors will, in consultation with their<br />
Heads <strong>of</strong> Service, Senior Managers, Specialist<br />
Advisers and the respective Employee<br />
Representatives, formulate the strategies, <strong>plan</strong>s,<br />
systems and procedures that are central to the<br />
effective implementation <strong>of</strong> this policy.<br />
Your Role<br />
It is the duty <strong>of</strong> every employee <strong>of</strong> the DEL<br />
Directorate to play his/her part towards<br />
keeping fellow employees, service users, the<br />
public and themselves safe and healthy.<br />
To achieve this, it is important that you<br />
continue to:<br />
• Work in a safe manner at all times.<br />
• Co-operate with your manager, supervisor<br />
and colleagues on all matters to do with<br />
health and safety in your area <strong>of</strong> work.<br />
• Tell your manager or supervisor if you spot<br />
any health and safety arrangements that are<br />
not working as well as they should, or could.<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 37<br />
DP4242
Introduction<br />
The purpose <strong>of</strong> this document is to :<br />
A Best Performing Council<br />
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK<br />
Our Customer Feedback Process<br />
inform you about the Council’s Corporate Feedback Process called Tell Us What You<br />
Think<br />
explain how it works<br />
describe the methods to be used for monitoring it’s effectiveness<br />
Aims<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council encourages and welcomes feedback across the full range <strong>of</strong> our<br />
services irrespective <strong>of</strong> how customers have accessed these services.<br />
Customer feedback is an important means <strong>of</strong> letting us know how we are performing, and<br />
it also helps us to focus on ways <strong>of</strong> improving the services we deliver to ensure that<br />
customers are satisfied and we demonstrate value for money. Customer feedback is also<br />
a very valuable contributor to the City Council’s continuous improvement agenda.<br />
Since Tell Us What You Think was launched on the 15th July 2002, customers been<br />
provided with a number <strong>of</strong> different ways to let us know when we have provided a good<br />
service, where our services are in need <strong>of</strong> improvement or where the customer feels that<br />
they need to complain about poor service delivery.<br />
Basic principles and objectives<br />
All employees who have a working involvement with customers have a responsibility to<br />
use this corporate process to respond to any feedback that they receive.<br />
If a customer makes a complaint, it is important that we try and put things right there and<br />
then. If this is not possible, then at the very least, the customer needs to be told how their<br />
feedback will be dealt with.<br />
It is very important for all feedback about our services or employees to be handled fairly,<br />
effectively and with a degree <strong>of</strong> confidentiality, so that customers can have confidence in<br />
the process and feel that their feedback is being treated seriously.<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 38
Where feedback relates to a comment or suggestion, the customer also needs to be reassured<br />
that we appreciate their views. This type <strong>of</strong> feedback can <strong>of</strong>ten help to indicate<br />
where improvements are needed to the way we deliver a particular service or where we<br />
have already met or even exceeded customer expectations.<br />
The corporate process has a number <strong>of</strong> specific objectives :-<br />
Accessible – it should be possible for a customer to give us feedback verbally at any<br />
enquiry point, via telephone contact, in writing, by e-mail or via the Council’s web site<br />
Easy to Use - the process is simple to use from a customer’s perspective and easy for<br />
employees to respond to feedback once it has been received<br />
Responsive – one <strong>of</strong> the fundamental parts <strong>of</strong> the corporate process is that feedback<br />
should be dealt with quickly, locally and informally where at all possible. If a satisfactory<br />
response cannot be given straight away, the published process provides our customers<br />
with clear guidance on when they can expect a full reply. These corporate standards<br />
for responding to customer feedback are also embodied within the Council’s Customer<br />
Service Charter<br />
Objective – serious complaints must be referred to an appropriate line manager. If a<br />
customer cannot be given a satisfactory response, it may be necessary to arrange an<br />
investigation by a senior <strong>of</strong>ficer who is not linked with the complaint in any way<br />
Remedy – if any complaint is found to be justified, we should try and put things right.<br />
This may take the form <strong>of</strong> an apology, together with ensuring that the complainant<br />
receives the service to which they are entitled<br />
Prevention – it is important that in the light <strong>of</strong> any complaint, action is taken to reduce<br />
or prevent the possibility <strong>of</strong> similar complaints in the future<br />
Improving Our Services – where a comment or suggestion is made about a service<br />
that a customer has received, the information may be used to examine ways that the<br />
service may be improved. Similarly, where a customer pays us a compliment about a<br />
service that they like, it may be possible to use this element <strong>of</strong> good practice in other<br />
parts <strong>of</strong> the Council’s service<br />
Confidentiality – to protect employees and the customer who has complained, only<br />
those persons who need to know about the complaint should be informed<br />
How can customers access the Corporate Feedback Process ?<br />
Verbally in person - at a customer service point that provides the service to which the<br />
feedback relates<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 39
Verbally by Telephone – customers may give us feedback over the telephone and<br />
employees should take note and respond appropriately to the information received<br />
In writing - by either sending a letter to us or completing the feedback form at the back<br />
<strong>of</strong> our information leaflet entitled “Tell Us What You Think”<br />
Via E-mail – customers may e-mail the Council with their feedback by using our<br />
corporate address : firstpoint@sheffield.gov.uk<br />
Via the Council’s web site - the corporate feedback process is described in detail on<br />
our web pages. An electronic version <strong>of</strong> the Council’s “Tell Us What You Think” leaflet<br />
is reproduced for customers to follow and an on-line feedback form is available for<br />
them to use.<br />
What should I do if I receive feedback from a customer ?<br />
Verbally In Person or by Telephone – Do not ask the customer, unless they wish to<br />
do so, to put their feedback in writing. If the customer approaches you in person, record<br />
their comments or complaint on one <strong>of</strong> the feedback forms and ask them to sign it as a<br />
way <strong>of</strong> confirming what they have told you. If the customer gives you feedback over the<br />
telephone, once again record their comments on a feedback form but accept what has<br />
been said to you without the need for a signature. If it is possible to give the customer a<br />
response to their feedback there and then, do so. If not, acknowledge receipt <strong>of</strong> the<br />
customer’s information and give them a date by which they may expect a written<br />
response (this must be within 28 days). Also supply them with the name <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>ficer<br />
who will be dealing with this matter and the <strong>of</strong>ficer’s contact details<br />
In Writing – try to respond to the feedback within 7 days <strong>of</strong> receipt. If this is not<br />
possible because the feedback is about a complex matter, send the customer an<br />
acknowledgement postcard within the same 7 day period and arrange for any further<br />
(full) response to be sent to them within 28 days<br />
By e-mail or via the Council’s Web Site – acknowledge the feedback within 3 days <strong>of</strong><br />
receipt, by letting the customer know who is dealing with this matter and when they can<br />
expect to receive a further response. Arrange for the further response to be sent to the<br />
customer within 28 days <strong>of</strong> receipt <strong>of</strong> their original feedback<br />
Compliments – if a customer pays a compliment to an employee or to one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Council’s services by any means other than verbally, a letter <strong>of</strong> thanks (or e-mail)<br />
should be sent to this person within 7 days. It is more appropriate to send the customer<br />
a personal letter under these circumstances rather than a pre-printed<br />
acknowledgement postcard so as to recognise the time and trouble that the customer<br />
has taken to give us their feedback<br />
General Point – if the feedback relates to a comment or suggestion and has been made<br />
by any means other than verbally, a satisfactory response is to send the customer one <strong>of</strong><br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 40
our pre-printed acknowledgement postcards. The postcard thanks the customer for their<br />
contribution and confirms that the comment or suggestion will be considered to help<br />
improve Council services. The acknowledgement postcard should be sent to the customer<br />
within 7 days <strong>of</strong> their feedback being received<br />
What if the feedback is about one <strong>of</strong> the services that a partner carries out on our<br />
behalf?<br />
If feedback relates to services provided by our partners Onyx, Liberata or Kier, it should be<br />
passed on to them with a request that they respond directly to the customer within our<br />
Customer Service Charter timescales. We should let the customer know that they should<br />
expect to receive a response to their feedback from this company.<br />
What records should we keep about feedback from customers ?<br />
Each Directorate has been issued with a set <strong>of</strong> feedback record sheets so details <strong>of</strong><br />
customer feedback may be recorded and referred to later if contact is made with the<br />
Council again. Any section or team that receives customer feedback should use these<br />
forms.<br />
How will the feedback process be monitored ?<br />
Each team or section within a Directorate needs to use information from their record<br />
sheets to compile a monthly analysis <strong>of</strong> the feedback they receive. A designated<br />
representative within each Directorate will ask you to supply them with a monthly analysis<br />
<strong>of</strong> feedback activity within your section / team. You can provide this return by using the<br />
monitoring sheet supplied for this purpose. In turn, Directorates will be asked to supply a<br />
quarterly analysis <strong>of</strong> feedback activity to the Chief Executive’s Public Service Access<br />
Team. Once again, a pre-printed analysis form has been distributed to Directorates for this<br />
purpose. It will greatly help the feedback monitoring process if everyone keeps their<br />
monthly figures up-to-date.<br />
How will we know if the Corporate Feedback Process is working effectively ?<br />
We will talk to customers who have approached us with feedback to see if they were<br />
satisfied with our response to their comment, complaint, compliment or suggestion. The<br />
feedback process will also be reviewed through the Achieving Excellence Project Group.<br />
Directorate representatives will be able to report back on how the process is working in<br />
their own service area and suggest any improvements that need to be implemented in the<br />
future.<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 41
What is the overall importance <strong>of</strong> the Corporate Feedback Process to the Council ?<br />
Very important indeed !<br />
If we are judged by our customers to have a fair, effective and efficient process for dealing<br />
with their feedback, we will have gone a long way towards establishing stronger links with<br />
those same customers.<br />
A good Corporate Feedback Process will also help to enhance the Council’s reputation<br />
and help us maintain our position as one <strong>of</strong> the best performing Councils in the country.<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 42
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council<br />
VIOLENCE AT WORK<br />
A Policy Statement<br />
1 Introduction<br />
The Council has had a policy on violence at work for many years. The<br />
purpose <strong>of</strong> this policy is to minimise the risk to employees being subject to<br />
violence at work by putting in place a range <strong>of</strong> strategies. This document<br />
follows a review <strong>of</strong> that policy and reflects the intention <strong>of</strong> the Council, its<br />
managers, employees and trade unions to seek to continually improve the<br />
Council's performance in managing risks <strong>of</strong> violence.<br />
2 Definition <strong>of</strong> Violence<br />
This includes not only physical attacks but threats and fear <strong>of</strong> violence,<br />
verbal abuse, racial, homophobic and sexual harassment and animal<br />
attack. It also includes violence towards an employee’s family, or damage<br />
to their property, which relates to the employee’s work.<br />
3 Requirements <strong>of</strong> this Policy<br />
A fundamental principle <strong>of</strong> this policy is that violence towards employees is<br />
unacceptable.<br />
The Council will:-<br />
• treat any incidents <strong>of</strong> abuse, threat, or assault on its employees very<br />
seriously and will take appropriate action against perpetrators. Action<br />
may include withdrawal <strong>of</strong> service and legal remedies;<br />
• make information, advice, resources, training and support available to<br />
managers and employees to assist them in meeting the requirements<br />
<strong>of</strong> this policy;<br />
• provide physical assault insurance to all employees and inform them <strong>of</strong><br />
the terms and benefits;<br />
• provide employees with access to critical incident debriefing where<br />
appropriate.<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 43
• receive reports on the effectiveness <strong>of</strong> this policy and review the policy<br />
as appropriate;<br />
• consult trade unions and employees on violence issues;<br />
• provide a means for trade unions to call a case conference at<br />
corporate level if there is a serious incident which they feel needs this<br />
approach;<br />
• work constructively with our partners, contractors and other agencies in<br />
the city (eg, SY Police).<br />
This policy requires that<br />
• managers identify, assess, record and keep under review violence risks.<br />
They will develop working arrangements, provide appropriate equipment,<br />
resources, training and support to reduce and control violence risks. This<br />
includes regular consultation with staff and their representatives;<br />
• managers follow reporting arrangements and provide appropriate support<br />
to employees in line with violence at work guidelines;<br />
• employees co-operate with managers and other colleagues in complying<br />
with any working arrangements made to reduce and control violence risks;<br />
• both corporately and in Directorates, violent incidents will be monitored<br />
and the information used to help manage risk.<br />
4 Review Arrangements<br />
June 2004<br />
This policy will be subject to review no later than June 2006.<br />
Incidents between employees will be dealt with under the Council’s personnel procedures.<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 44
Health and Safety Guidelines<br />
THE MANAGEMENT OF NEEDLESTICK INJURIES<br />
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Needlestick injuries in the community (away from the hospital) are not common but<br />
they do cause anxiety and distress because <strong>of</strong> the small risk <strong>of</strong> infection that can be<br />
caused by them. Although needle and syringe exchange schemes which are used<br />
by responsible intravenous drug users are easily available, it still happens that some<br />
used needles are discarded carelessly in public places to be found by employees or<br />
by members <strong>of</strong> the public. Sometimes they are deliberately hidden to cause injury.<br />
Fortunately, these incidents don’t happen very <strong>of</strong>ten and the likelihood <strong>of</strong> it<br />
happening can be reduced further by being alert to dangers, thinking before you act<br />
and by following safe systems <strong>of</strong> work, including the use <strong>of</strong> personal protective<br />
equipment when provided.<br />
These types <strong>of</strong> accidents can happen inside <strong>of</strong> work but they can also occur away<br />
from work. If it happens outside <strong>of</strong> work, to you or a member <strong>of</strong> your family, the<br />
same actions should be taken. (The accident book/form would not need to be<br />
completed and only employees need to contact Occupational Health.)<br />
Immediate First Aid<br />
Remove the needle if it is still stuck in the skin, and place it somewhere safe.<br />
Arrange for the safe disposal <strong>of</strong> this.<br />
Squeeze the wound it make it bleed (do not suck the wound).<br />
Wash the area well using soap and water or wipe well with a ‘medicated wipe’<br />
from the First Aid box and then cover with a plaster.<br />
Further treatment<br />
Report to your manager/supervisor to arrange to go and see your General<br />
Practitioner during opening hours <strong>of</strong> the Accident and Emergency Department at<br />
the Northern General Hospital if you cannot see your family doctor immediately.<br />
When you visit your GP or the A & E Department you will need to tell them what<br />
has happened and how you have been injured. DO NOT take the needle with<br />
you.<br />
The doctor will start a course <strong>of</strong> vaccination against Hepatitis B if you have not<br />
already had this and may give you antibiotics and a tetanus booster if they are<br />
needed. These injections need to be started promptly, so do not delay in going to<br />
A & E or to see your GP.<br />
_________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Parks, Woodlands and Countryside<br />
Position Statement<br />
June 2005 (Version 1)<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 45<br />
MT/H&S/needlestick injuries/SW
Health and Safety Guidelines<br />
Management <strong>of</strong> Needlestick Injuries<br />
You will then be advised to contact both your GP and Occupational Health for<br />
follow-up.<br />
As per the guidelines issued by Dr Rosy McNaught, Consultant in Communicable<br />
Disease Control for <strong>Sheffield</strong>, September 2001.<br />
On return to work<br />
Complete the accident book and accident form.<br />
Contact Occupational Health.<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Parks, Woodlands and Countryside<br />
Position Statement<br />
June Ecclesall 2005 Woods (Version Management 1) Plan Appendices Page 46<br />
2
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council<br />
Environmental Policy<br />
We recognise the essential contribution the environment makes to the<br />
lives <strong>of</strong> everyone in <strong>Sheffield</strong> and around the world. We will therefore aim<br />
to ensure that all <strong>of</strong> our services are managed so that they take every<br />
practical opportunity to improve and maintain the quality <strong>of</strong> both our<br />
local and global environments.<br />
Strategic Environmental Objectives<br />
We will through our own activities and through influencing the actions <strong>of</strong><br />
others:<br />
1. Reduce the use <strong>of</strong> energy.<br />
2. Increase the proportion <strong>of</strong> energy coming from renewable sources.<br />
3. Reduce the use <strong>of</strong> material resources.<br />
4. Improve the environmental quality <strong>of</strong> material resources used.<br />
5. Improve the environmental quality <strong>of</strong> land and landscapes.<br />
6. Protect and increase the diversity <strong>of</strong> wildlife.<br />
7. Improve the environmental quality <strong>of</strong> buildings.<br />
8. Improve the environmental quality <strong>of</strong> roads, streets and other features.<br />
9. Improve the environmental impact <strong>of</strong> transport and travel.<br />
10. Reduce the impact <strong>of</strong> waste released to air, water and land.<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 47
To ensure that the City Council's strategic environmental objectives are pursued effectively<br />
wherever they are relevant, we will establish and maintain Eco-Management and Audit<br />
System that include:<br />
1. Responsibility, co-ordination and review structures that set out clearly who is responsible<br />
for developing, managing and reviewing all parts <strong>of</strong> our eco-<strong>management</strong> and audit<br />
system.<br />
2. An Environmental Policy that sets out clearly the overall strategic framework the City<br />
Council is using to guide the development <strong>of</strong> its Eco-Management and Audit System and<br />
continuous improvements in environmental performance.<br />
3. Specific Environmental Objectives linked to aspects <strong>of</strong> City Council service activities that<br />
have or could have significant impacts on the environment (environmental risks).<br />
4. Environmental Targets designed to continuously improve the City Council's<br />
environmental performance by addressing the significant environmental impacts <strong>of</strong> our<br />
activities.<br />
5. Internal Communication and Training that promotes a greater understanding <strong>of</strong> and<br />
responsibility for this environmental policy amongst our members and employees at all<br />
level.<br />
6. External Communication, Dialogue and Partnership processes that enable stakeholders<br />
in the wider community to find out more about the City Council's environmental<br />
performance and to work with us to improve the environment for everyone.<br />
7. Environmental Management Systems that organises the procedures needed to<br />
effectively manage the City Council's significant environmental impacts.<br />
8. Environmental Audits at regular intervals to check how well all parts <strong>of</strong> this environmental<br />
policy are being implemented.<br />
9. Suppliers and contractor procurement procedures that set out the environmental<br />
standards we actively encourage these organisations to aspire to.<br />
10. Environmental Stewardship procedures that ensure the potential environmental impacts<br />
(risks) <strong>of</strong> all new policies and activities are adequately taken into account during all<br />
stages <strong>of</strong> the development and decision making process.<br />
If you would like more detailed information about the City Council's Eco-Management and Audit<br />
Systems visit the Environmental Protection Services web pages at:<br />
www.sheffield.gov.uk/environment<br />
If you have any suggestions that you feel could improve this environmental policy please<br />
contact:<br />
The Eco-Management and Audit System Co-ordinator,<br />
The Environmental Protection Service,<br />
2-10 Carbrook Hall Road,<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> S9 2DB Tel: 273 4641 Email: steve.byers@sheffield.gov.uk<br />
(Eco-file section 2)<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 48
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council - Improving <strong>Sheffield</strong>'s Environmental Performance<br />
Skip Links Accessibility Low Graphics Help Contact Us Search this Site<br />
Home Environment Eco-Management & Audit Systems<br />
Environment<br />
Eco-Management &<br />
Audit Systems<br />
Eco-Responsibilities<br />
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Eco-Objectives<br />
Eco-Targets<br />
Internal Eco-Training<br />
6. Eco-Partnership<br />
Eco-Management<br />
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telephone:<br />
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Improving <strong>Sheffield</strong>'s Environmental Performance<br />
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Local Authorities have been given a unique role by the UK Government to help<br />
introduce Sustainable Development at a local level through the Local Agenda 21<br />
process.<br />
Sustainable Development is change that improves the economy, employment<br />
opportunities and quality <strong>of</strong> life <strong>of</strong> our communities. The key is that it does so within<br />
the capacity <strong>of</strong> the environment to provide what we need and to absorb the waste we<br />
produce.<br />
Ensuring that the capacity <strong>of</strong> the environment is taken into account will not happen by<br />
accident. It will only happen if this concern is integrated effectively into the daily<br />
<strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> all organisations at all levels.<br />
Eco-Management and Audit Systems are designed to ensure this effective integration,<br />
enabling organisations to successfully identify the significant impacts their activities<br />
have on the environment, and to continuously improve their environmental<br />
performance by consistently reducing these impacts over time.<br />
The City Council is developing and introducing an Eco-Management and Audit System<br />
made up <strong>of</strong> 10 parts:<br />
1. Responsibility Co-ordination and Review<br />
2. Environmental Policy<br />
3. Environmental Objectives<br />
4. Environmental Targets<br />
5. Internal Communication & Training<br />
6. External Communication & Dialogue<br />
7. Environmental Management Systems<br />
8. Environmental Audit<br />
9. Suppliers & Contractors<br />
10. Environmental Stewardship<br />
The framework is based upon a structure developed by Business in the Environment<br />
for their National and Regional Environmental Indices which annually benchmarks<br />
(audits) the environmental <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> many <strong>of</strong> the largest organisations at a<br />
national and local level.<br />
To find out more about our 10 part Eco-Management and Audit System follow the<br />
links on this page or in the left hand margin.<br />
Contact the Service Comment or Complain Service Charter<br />
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/environment/eco-<strong>management</strong> (1 <strong>of</strong> 2)16/01/2006 16:03:31<br />
Service provided by Environmental Protection Service<br />
A part <strong>of</strong> Environment and Regulatory Services<br />
Directorate <strong>of</strong> Development, Environment and Leisure<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 49
PARKS & COUNTRYSIDE SERVICE<br />
PESTICIDES USE POLICY<br />
1. Pesticide Use - Statutory Provisions<br />
The Parks and Countryside Service will comply with all such provisions<br />
including:<br />
1.1 The Food and Environment Protection Act 1985, the Control <strong>of</strong><br />
Pesticides Regulations 1986 and such codes <strong>of</strong> practice as may be<br />
issued under the above Act.<br />
1.2 The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and such codes and<br />
guidance published by the Health and Safety Executive in furtherance <strong>of</strong><br />
that Act.<br />
1.3 The Poisons Act 1972 and the Poisonous Substances in Agriculture<br />
Regulations 1984.<br />
1.4 The Control <strong>of</strong> Pollution Act 1974.<br />
2. General Requirements<br />
Pesticides that are to be used on lands, which are owned by <strong>Sheffield</strong> City<br />
Council, shall only be applied where specified.<br />
2.1 No pesticide except those approved shall be used.<br />
2.2 Immediately prior to application <strong>of</strong> the pesticide, the Parks and<br />
Countryside service must liaise with other grounds users and advise <strong>of</strong><br />
any precautions they should take in respect <strong>of</strong> that application.<br />
Page 1 <strong>of</strong> 2<br />
Rev. Ecclesall September Woods 2005 Management Plan Appendices Page 50
3. Prior to Use<br />
Before the use <strong>of</strong> any pesticides, the Parks and Countryside service shall in<br />
accordance with current legislation (Control <strong>of</strong> Pesticides Regulations 1986):<br />
3.1 Ensure that each person who is to apply pesticides or decontaminate<br />
pesticide application equipment holds the Certificate <strong>of</strong> Competence<br />
applicable to the method <strong>of</strong> application. Alternatively, a holder <strong>of</strong> the<br />
applicable Certificate <strong>of</strong> Competence shall closely supervise the trained<br />
pesticide operatives.<br />
3.2 Ensure that all staff have clear guidelines on the safe system <strong>of</strong> work to<br />
be adopted in the application <strong>of</strong> pesticides.<br />
3.3 Provide application equipment that is in first class working order, and<br />
provide the protective clothing as specified by the product manufacturer<br />
and/or Health and Safety Executive.<br />
3.4 Keep comprehensive records <strong>of</strong> pesticides applied.<br />
3.5 In hot weather conditions, spraying must be delayed until the onset <strong>of</strong><br />
cooler conditions in order to minimise the risk <strong>of</strong> spray drift.<br />
3.6 The ideal wind speed for spraying is Beaufort Scale 2 (leaves rustle,<br />
wind felt lightly on the face) and pesticides shall not be applied if this<br />
wind speed condition is exceeded.<br />
4. Code <strong>of</strong> Practice – Pesticide Spraying or Distribution<br />
4.1 All pesticides are used only in accordance with the instructions provided<br />
on labels attached to containers and applied in accordance with all<br />
current legislation.<br />
4.2 All hazardous materials shall be stored in safe and secure conditions<br />
with access only to authorised personnel. All materials shall be in<br />
original containers and under no circumstances decanted into bottles or<br />
other unlabelled containers. The building used for storage shall display<br />
the standard Hazardous Materials warning sign, in accordance with BS<br />
5378. A list <strong>of</strong> pesticides in the store shall be readily available in case <strong>of</strong><br />
fire. The store shall comply with the regulations currently in force for the<br />
storage <strong>of</strong> pesticides.<br />
4.3 At no times shall pesticides be left unattended in a public place by the<br />
contractor or their operatives.<br />
4.4 Protective clothing (appropriate to the pesticide being applied) shall be<br />
provided and shall be worn at all stages <strong>of</strong> the operation.<br />
Page 2 <strong>of</strong> 2<br />
Rev. Ecclesall September Woods 2005 Management Plan Appendices Page 51
4.5 All cartage, dispensing and mixing <strong>of</strong> hazardous materials shall take<br />
place in safe conditions; correctly labelled original containers properly<br />
closed shall be used. Under no circumstances shall mixed spray<br />
materials be carted in un-lidded containers where spillage and splashing<br />
could occur when mounting kerbs and grass edges, or pulverised dry<br />
materials become wind borne.<br />
4.6 Suitable weather and ground conditions are essential when applying<br />
chemicals. Periods <strong>of</strong> high winds, heat or humidity or drought must be<br />
avoided.<br />
4.7 Protective clothing shall be worn until appliances have been cleaned<br />
and stored away. Protective clothing shall be decontaminated after use<br />
and before storage.<br />
5. Herbicide Treatments<br />
All treatments shall include for collection and removal from site any litter,<br />
debris, that may reduce the effectiveness <strong>of</strong> the application.<br />
5.1 Care must be taken to avoid damaging woody vegetation unless so<br />
directed specifically to treat.<br />
6. Individual Plant/Planting Station<br />
Effectively treat an area measuring 600 mm radius around the base <strong>of</strong> each<br />
<strong>plan</strong>t or at locations <strong>of</strong> each <strong>plan</strong>ting station to control competing vegetation.<br />
7. Hedge, Fence, Barrier etc – Strip Spraying<br />
Effectively treat a linear strip, to include the base <strong>of</strong> each hedge, <strong>plan</strong>t or other<br />
location to control competing vegetation. Care should be taken particularly<br />
when spraying boundaries to avoid spray drift onto neighbouring properties.<br />
8. Bare Ground, Shrub Beds/Planted Areas<br />
Effectively treat entire bare ground surface between individual trees/shrubs to<br />
control competing vegetation.<br />
9. Overall Treatment<br />
Normally treatment <strong>of</strong> hard surfacing. Effectively treat entire area to kill all<br />
established and emergent weeds/competing vegetation.<br />
10. Tree Pockets<br />
Effectively treat to control all competing vegetation, within the area <strong>of</strong> the tree<br />
pocket.<br />
Page 3 <strong>of</strong> 3<br />
Rev. Ecclesall September Woods 2005 Management Plan Appendices Page 52
PEAT POLICY - established July 1991<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council's Guide to Green Purchasing<br />
SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL’S<br />
PURCHACING POLICY<br />
To Reduce the Environmental Impact <strong>of</strong> the Goods and Services Purchased by <strong>Sheffield</strong> City<br />
Council, whilst Maintaining their Effectiveness<br />
This policy is based upon the following principles/actions:<br />
• Where possible on environmental and economic grounds, reuse or repair existing<br />
products.<br />
• Environmentally damaging products should not be used where a suitable alternative is<br />
available.<br />
• Use <strong>of</strong> the least environmentally damaging products should be promoted.<br />
• When new products have to be obtained, every effort should be made to purchase<br />
products made <strong>of</strong> recycled and recyclable materials.<br />
• Products at the end <strong>of</strong> their useful life should be recycled wherever possible, and as a<br />
last option disposed <strong>of</strong> in the most environmentally responsible manner.<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council's Guide to Green Purchasing<br />
Peat<br />
For many centuries wetland environments have been increasingly threatened by drainage, peat<br />
extraction and 'improvement' for agriculture. Until relatively recently, little thought had been given to<br />
the adverse effects <strong>of</strong> this.<br />
In consequence, Britain's peatlands and the many species that are totally dependent upon them have<br />
suffered a dramatic decline. As the range <strong>of</strong> alternatives to peat as a horticultural growing medium<br />
continues to expand so the need to use peat diminishes. The direct use <strong>of</strong> peat should be avoided, and<br />
<strong>plan</strong>t suppliers should be encouraged to grow their stock in a peat free compost.<br />
Policy<br />
Do not use Peat.<br />
Avoid buying <strong>plan</strong>ts growing in Peat based Compost.<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 53
4. REDUCTION MEASURES<br />
4A. Have measures been taken or are they being taken to reduce the amount <strong>of</strong> peat<br />
containing products bought/used/specified?<br />
YES ……………<br />
NO……………...<br />
(Tick)<br />
4B. If YES please give brief details.<br />
4C. Was there any EXTRA COST or SAVING MADE last year from<br />
REDUCTION MEASURES?<br />
EXTRA COST……………………………………….<br />
SAVING MADE……………………………………...<br />
(Tick)<br />
4D. If Yes to either please give brief details.<br />
5. 'ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLIER' OPTIONS.<br />
5A. Was any <strong>of</strong> last years purchase/specification" Environmentally friendlier"<br />
YES……………<br />
NO……………..<br />
(Tick)<br />
58. If Yes please give brief details <strong>of</strong> the products used/specified.<br />
5C. What proportion <strong>of</strong> total/used/specified was environmentally friendlier?<br />
1 % ………………………………..……..…..50% ……………………………………………100%<br />
(Tick where appropriate on the scale)<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 54
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council<br />
Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct (Extract)<br />
This extract is taken from <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Councils internal Intranet Site. The<br />
Full Policy Document is 39 pages long and is available to download – for<br />
practical purposes it is not included with this application but is available to<br />
Judges if required<br />
1.1 This Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct for Employees is based on key principles arising<br />
from the work <strong>of</strong> the Nolan Committee on standards in public life; it<br />
outlines the minimum standards that all Council employees, casual<br />
workers, agency staff, contractors and volunteers must adhere to.<br />
1.2 Employees must comply with this Code as it forms part <strong>of</strong> their terms<br />
and conditions <strong>of</strong> employment. Some directorates such as Social<br />
Services and Education also issue supplementary codes <strong>of</strong> practice on<br />
employee conduct. These and the Council's security policies and<br />
codes <strong>of</strong> practice must also be complied with.<br />
1.3 The Council believes that employees are responsible for their actions.<br />
It is the responsibility <strong>of</strong> employees to read the Code. If any <strong>of</strong> the<br />
provisions contained within this Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct, related codes <strong>of</strong><br />
practice or security policies are not fully understood employees must,<br />
in their own interests, seek clarification from their Manager or<br />
Personnel Advisers.<br />
1.4 This Code does not contain a comprehensive list <strong>of</strong> acts <strong>of</strong> misconduct.<br />
There may be other acts <strong>of</strong> commission or omission committed by<br />
employees that the Council may also view as misconduct and/or gross<br />
misconduct.<br />
1.5 The people <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sheffield</strong> expect the highest standards <strong>of</strong> behaviour and<br />
customer care from <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council employees. Public<br />
confidence in employees' integrity would be shaken by the least<br />
suspicion that they could be influenced by improper motives.<br />
Employees must not put themselves in a position where their honesty<br />
or integrity could be called into question. The Council reserves the<br />
right to monitor its employees, including surveillance, in accordance<br />
with relevant legislation such as the Regulatory and Investigatory<br />
Powers Act, Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act to ensure that<br />
the provisions <strong>of</strong> this Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct are adhered to.<br />
1.6 Failure to observe this Code <strong>of</strong> Conduct, failure to properly perform<br />
employee duties, serious misconduct or criminal <strong>of</strong>fences committed<br />
during or outside working hours which bring the employee or the City<br />
Council into disrepute may result in disciplinary action being<br />
considered, including the possibility <strong>of</strong> summary dismissal without<br />
notice.<br />
1.7.1 The Code is compatible with the conventions contained in the Human<br />
Rights Act.<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 55
APPENDIX 8A<br />
2006 Visitor Questionnaire/Survey.<br />
APPENDIX 8B<br />
2006 Visitor questionnaire technical<br />
appendices.<br />
Available to download via our website<br />
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands-countryside/trees--woodlands/ecclesall-<strong>woods</strong>/<strong>management</strong>-<strong>plan</strong><br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 56
APPENDIX 9<br />
CHRONOLOGY OF ECCLESALL WOODS<br />
Neolithic/Bronze Age period<br />
Cup and ring stone present from this period<br />
Iron Age/Romano-British period<br />
Field systems and hillfort present. Potentially an agricultural landscape at this time<br />
with woodland confined to wet ground and streamsides<br />
Dark Ages<br />
Abandonment <strong>of</strong> field systems and reversion to woodland?<br />
Domesday, 1086<br />
The area was included in the manor <strong>of</strong> Hallam, with references to extensive woodpasture<br />
1317<br />
Robert de Ecclesall granted a licence to impark. The area imparked may have<br />
included what is now called Ecclesall Woods<br />
1586<br />
Whirlow Wheel first recorded<br />
1587<br />
First written record <strong>of</strong> coppice with standards <strong>management</strong>. Woodland owned by the<br />
Earls <strong>of</strong> Shrewsbury<br />
1649<br />
Detailed lease agreement refers to lead smelting mills and the making <strong>of</strong> charcoal<br />
and whitecoal, as well as use <strong>of</strong> the woodland for herbage. Woodland owned by the<br />
Bright family<br />
1674<br />
Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Mill first recorded<br />
Pre-1700<br />
First map <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods (Wentworth Woodhouse Muniments MP 46). Undated,<br />
but style suggests pre-1700<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 57
1752<br />
The marriage <strong>of</strong> 2 nd Marquis <strong>of</strong> Rockingham <strong>of</strong> Wentworth Woodhouse to Mary<br />
Bright, meant that Ecclesall Woods passed into the Rockingham land holdings. From<br />
the period, a very detailed chronology <strong>of</strong> coppice and other <strong>management</strong> survives<br />
1770<br />
Map <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods by Fairbank depicts different named <strong>woods</strong>, 23 in all (SheD<br />
300L)<br />
1786<br />
Wood collier’s memorial to George Yardley erected<br />
1824<br />
Large scale tree-<strong>plan</strong>ting started, and continued until 1899. Most had been<br />
undertaken by 1845. Gradual conversion <strong>of</strong> woodland to “high forest”<br />
1848<br />
First “timber” sale recorded; ceased in 1901<br />
1859<br />
Last “fall” <strong>of</strong> coppice wood recorded. Coppice with standards <strong>management</strong> comes to<br />
an end<br />
1920<br />
Whirlowdale Road cut through the woodland. Site under threat from proposed<br />
residential development<br />
1927<br />
Ecclesall Woods purchased from Earl Fitzwilliam by <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council, with help<br />
from Alderman Graves<br />
1928<br />
Ecclesall Woods <strong>of</strong>ficially opened as a public open space by Her Royal Highness<br />
Princess Mary on 23 rd August 1928<br />
1927<br />
Ryecr<strong>of</strong>t Glen gifted to the City Council by J.G.Graves<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 58
1929<br />
17ha <strong>of</strong> Wood 3 reserved as a bird sanctuary, where public access is discouraged<br />
1935<br />
Whirlow Wheel purchased by <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council<br />
1962<br />
Major storm damage to the woodland, followed by construction <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods<br />
sawmill<br />
1993<br />
Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods formed<br />
1994<br />
Sawmill leased to private business<br />
1998<br />
Cup and ring stone designated a Scheduled Monument<br />
2001<br />
First <strong>management</strong> <strong>plan</strong> finalised and implementation started, including re-introducing<br />
active woodland <strong>management</strong><br />
2002<br />
Ecclesall Woods declared a Local Nature Reserve<br />
2004<br />
First Green Flag awarded to Ecclesall Woods<br />
2005<br />
Ecclesall Woods is the first site visited as part <strong>of</strong> the successful Entente Florale<br />
application by <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council<br />
2006<br />
Sawmill returns to <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council <strong>management</strong><br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 59
APPENDIX 10<br />
BIBLIOGRAPHY<br />
ARCUS (2004). Archaeological trial trenching at Ecclesall Woods, <strong>Sheffield</strong>, South<br />
Yorkshire. Unpublished<br />
ARCUS (2006). Archaeological photographic survey <strong>of</strong> Whirlow Wheel, Ecclesall<br />
Road South, <strong>Sheffield</strong>, South Yorkshire. Unpublished<br />
Ardron, P (2001) Archaeological Survey and GIS Mapping <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods.<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> Hallam <strong>University</strong>. Unpublished.<br />
Arrowsmith, P (1999) Ecclesall Woods, <strong>Sheffield</strong>: An archaeological desk-top study.<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Manchester Archaeological Unit. Unpublished.<br />
ASE (2002). Hilltop enclosure and field system Ecclesall Woods, <strong>Sheffield</strong>:<br />
Archaeological Survey. Unpublished<br />
ASE (2007). Archaeological excavation <strong>of</strong> Q-pits at Ecclesall Woods, <strong>Sheffield</strong><br />
(draft). Unpublished<br />
Avison, C and Rotherham, I (1998) Ecclesall Woods Management Plan: Draft for<br />
Public Consultation. <strong>Sheffield</strong> Hallam <strong>University</strong>. Unpublished.<br />
Avison, C and Rotherham, I (1999) Ecclesall Woods Draft Management Plan and<br />
User Survey: Initial Presentation <strong>of</strong> Results. <strong>Sheffield</strong> Hallam <strong>University</strong>.<br />
Unpublished.<br />
Bevan, W (2001) Ecclesall Woods, <strong>Sheffield</strong>: Concordance and Sampling <strong>of</strong><br />
Archaeological Surveys. Unpublished.<br />
Blockeel, T (1990) Bryophytes in Ecclesall Woods. Sorby Record 27.<br />
Bownes, J; Ripley, T; Rotherham, I and Vincent, M (1991) <strong>Sheffield</strong> Nature<br />
Conservation Strategy. <strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council.<br />
Countryside Commission (1998). Countryside Character and Volume 3: Yorkshire<br />
and Humberside.<br />
Crossley, D (1989).<br />
DEFRA (2002). Working with the grain <strong>of</strong> nature: A biodiversity strategy for England.<br />
Ecology Unit, SCC (1999) Natural History Report for Ecclesall Woods.<br />
English Nature (1996) Coal Measures Natural Area Pr<strong>of</strong>ile. English Nature:<br />
Wakefield.<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 60
English Nature (1997) Preliminary Nature Conservation Objectives for Natural<br />
Areas: woodland and forestry. English Nature Research Report No 239.<br />
Environment Agency (1999). Personal communication.<br />
Forestry Commission (1998). England Forestry Strategy: A new focus for England’s<br />
Woodlands<br />
Forestry Commission (1999). UK Forestry Standard: The government’s approach to<br />
sustainable forestry. Edinburgh: Forestry Commission<br />
Forestry Commission (2005). The value <strong>of</strong> trees in our changing region: The<br />
Regional Forestry Strategy for Yorkshire and the Humber Region.<br />
Firkins, G (1987). A report <strong>of</strong> the vegetation survey <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods. Sorby<br />
Records 27.<br />
Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods (2006). Ecclesall Woods, <strong>Sheffield</strong>: a Flora. Rotherham:<br />
B & B Press<br />
Hamilton, G J (1988). Forest Mensuration Handbook. Forestry Commission Booklet<br />
39. London: HMSO.<br />
Hart, C R (1990). The Ancient Woodland <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods, <strong>Sheffield</strong>. Sorby<br />
Record, 27.<br />
Hibberd, B (1991) Forestry Commission Handbook 6: Forestry Practice. London:<br />
HMSO.<br />
Kerr, G and Evans, J (1993) Growing Broadleaves for Timber. Forestry Authority<br />
Handbook 9. London: HMSO.<br />
Kirby, K (1992) Habitat Management for Invertebrates.<br />
Lyon, T (1997) Fungi in Ecclesall Woods. Peak District Journal <strong>of</strong> Natural History<br />
and Archaeology Special Publication No 1.<br />
Jones, M (1993) <strong>Sheffield</strong>’s Woodland Heritage.<br />
Jones, M and Walker, P (1997). From coppice-with-standards to high forest: the<br />
<strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods 1715-1901. Peak District Journal <strong>of</strong> Natural<br />
History and Archaeology. Special Publication No 1.<br />
Medforth, P and Rotherham, I (1993) The Birds <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods.<br />
Natural England (2006). Natural England Strategic Direction 2006-2009.<br />
Natural Route, EUCS, and Icarus (2004). Ecclesall Woods sawmill site, <strong>Sheffield</strong>:<br />
Feasibility Study Final Report<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 61
Peterken, G (1993). Woodland conservation and <strong>management</strong>. London: Chapman<br />
and Hall.<br />
Public Rights <strong>of</strong> Way (1997). Public Rights <strong>of</strong> Way Survey: Ecclesall Woods.<br />
Rodwell (1991). National Vegetation Classification Volume I Woodlands and Scrub.<br />
Rotherham, I.D (2006). The Cultural Forest: A misunderstood icon. Unpublished<br />
proceedings from South Yorkshire Biodiversity Research Group Conference –<br />
Critical Issues for Ancient Woodlands; 5 th -6 th May 2006.<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> Biodiversity Steering Group (2001). <strong>Sheffield</strong> Local Biodiversity Action Plan<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council (1999). <strong>Sheffield</strong>’s Parks Regeneration Strategy. Parks and<br />
Open Spaces<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council (1999). <strong>Sheffield</strong> Countryside Strategy. Planning Services<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council (2000). Sites Categorisation Strategy. Parks and Countryside<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council (2001). <strong>Sheffield</strong>’s Trees and Woodlands Strategy. Parks and<br />
Countryside<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council (2003). <strong>Sheffield</strong> Environment Strategy.<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Council (2005). <strong>Sheffield</strong> Cultural Strategy.<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> First Partnership (2005). City Strategy, 2005-2010<br />
Smyllie, W (1990) ‘Q’ Pits in Ecclesall Woods. Sorby Record 27.<br />
Southern Tree Surgeons Ltd (1971) Ecclesall Woods Tree Survey and Management<br />
Plan. Unpublished.<br />
UKWAS (2006). UK Woodland Assurance Standard. 2 nd edition<br />
Ecclesall Woods Management Plan Appendices Page 62
LIST OF FIGURES<br />
The maps <strong>plan</strong>s and figures below are available to download via our website<br />
Figure 1.1a Site location within <strong>Sheffield</strong><br />
Figure 1.1b Site location within Millhouses<br />
Figure 1.2 Compartment map<br />
Figure 1.3 Management Structure<br />
Figure 1.4 Services<br />
Figure 1.5 1770 division <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods<br />
Figure 1.6 1850’s Ordnance Survey <strong>of</strong> the area<br />
Figure 1.7 Key areas and features <strong>of</strong> archaeological interest<br />
Figure 1.8 Ecclesall Woods sawmill site layout <strong>plan</strong><br />
Figure 1.9 Access points<br />
Figure 1.10 Definitive rights <strong>of</strong> way and other recognised routes<br />
Figure 1.11 Outline vision for Ecclesall Woods sawmill site<br />
Figure 1.12 Hydrology<br />
Figure 1.13 Underlying Geology<br />
Figure 1.14 Main vegetation communities<br />
Figure 4.1 Proposed major <strong>management</strong> works, 2007-2011<br />
75
<strong>Sheffield</strong> City Boundary<br />
Rotherham<br />
Metropolitan<br />
Borough<br />
Built-up Area<br />
"<br />
Meadowhall<br />
"<br />
Hillsborough "<br />
Firth Park<br />
"<br />
Walkley<br />
City Centre<br />
Peak District National Park<br />
"<br />
Orgreave<br />
"<br />
Beighton<br />
"<br />
Gleadless<br />
"<br />
Woodseats<br />
Dore<br />
"<br />
2.5 5<br />
0<br />
kilometres<br />
North East Derbyshire District<br />
FIGURE 1.1a LOCATION <strong>of</strong> ECCLESALL WOODS within the CITY <strong>of</strong> SHEFFIELD<br />
Parks and<br />
Countryside<br />
Reproduced from the ordnance Survey map with the permission <strong>of</strong> the Controller <strong>of</strong> Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright 2006. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. OS Licence No. 100018816.2006
DAH DAH<br />
D<br />
283<br />
HH<br />
zz<br />
x<br />
244<br />
248<br />
zz<br />
242<br />
WHIRLOWDALE ROAD<br />
282<br />
231<br />
248<br />
ABBEY LANE<br />
t<br />
D<br />
D<br />
247<br />
D DH H D H<br />
ECCLESALL ROAD SOUTH<br />
DOBCROFT ROAD<br />
249<br />
E<br />
DH<br />
244<br />
z<br />
241<br />
242<br />
River Sheaf<br />
z<br />
250<br />
WHIRLOWDALE ROAD<br />
z<br />
x<br />
250<br />
240<br />
251<br />
DHF<br />
D<br />
H<br />
A D<br />
A D<br />
254<br />
z<br />
x<br />
x<br />
D A<br />
253<br />
241<br />
z<br />
D<br />
KEY<br />
255<br />
z<br />
LIMB LANE<br />
Woodland Boundary<br />
ABBEY<br />
LANE<br />
D<br />
Public Footpath<br />
(with Definitive Path Number)<br />
252<br />
D<br />
H<br />
D<br />
45<br />
ABBEYDALE ROAD SOUTH<br />
D H<br />
A<br />
z<br />
A D<br />
z<br />
Permissive Footpaths<br />
ADH H<br />
E<br />
z<br />
HDA<br />
255<br />
252<br />
A<br />
D<br />
Public Bridleways<br />
(with Definitive Path Number)<br />
18<br />
D<br />
H<br />
H<br />
D<br />
DHD<br />
Permissive Bridleways<br />
245<br />
Easy Going Trail<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> Round Walk<br />
246<br />
D DA H<br />
461<br />
500<br />
metres<br />
250<br />
0<br />
D<br />
256<br />
FIGURE 1.10 DEFINITIVE RIGHTS OF WAY and OTHER RECOGNISED ROUTES<br />
Parks and<br />
Countryside<br />
Reproduced from the ordnance Survey map with the permission <strong>of</strong> the Controller <strong>of</strong> Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright 2006. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. OS Licence No. 100018816.2006
DAH DAH<br />
c<br />
H<br />
D<br />
f<br />
x<br />
e<br />
zz<br />
zz<br />
c<br />
d<br />
b<br />
WHIRLOWDALE ROAD<br />
ABBEY LANE<br />
D<br />
D<br />
D DH H D H<br />
ECCLESALL ROAD SOUTH<br />
t<br />
DOBCROFT ROAD<br />
a<br />
E<br />
DH<br />
114<br />
36.4<br />
c<br />
z<br />
z<br />
b<br />
WHIRLOWDALE ROAD<br />
z<br />
x<br />
a<br />
DHF<br />
D<br />
H<br />
A D<br />
A D<br />
115<br />
24.6<br />
z<br />
e<br />
x<br />
x<br />
D A<br />
c<br />
z<br />
D<br />
f<br />
k i<br />
z<br />
h<br />
LIMB LANE<br />
ABBEY<br />
LANE<br />
g<br />
D<br />
D<br />
H<br />
D<br />
KEY<br />
ABBEYDALE ROAD SOUTH<br />
D H<br />
A<br />
d<br />
z<br />
b<br />
A D<br />
z<br />
Wood Number<br />
Area <strong>of</strong> Wood<br />
116<br />
78.9<br />
ADH H<br />
E<br />
z<br />
DA<br />
H<br />
j<br />
k<br />
A<br />
l<br />
f<br />
D<br />
k<br />
Wood Sub-compartment<br />
Boundaries<br />
D<br />
H<br />
H<br />
D a<br />
DHD<br />
Wood Sub-compartment<br />
Identification letter<br />
116<br />
78.9<br />
a<br />
D DA H m<br />
500<br />
metres<br />
250<br />
0<br />
D<br />
FIGURE 1.2 COMPARTMENT MAP<br />
Parks and<br />
Countryside<br />
Reproduced from the ordnance Survey map with the permission <strong>of</strong> the Controller <strong>of</strong> Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright 2006. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. OS Licence No. 100018816.2006
Parks and Countryside Section<br />
Parks and<br />
Countryside<br />
Manager<br />
David Hargate<br />
District Parks Officer<br />
(South)<br />
Mark Lowe<br />
Community Tree<br />
Officer<br />
John Smith<br />
Figure 1.3 Management Structure<br />
Parks and Countryside Service<br />
Trees and Woodlands Section<br />
Woodlands Manager<br />
Nick Sellwood<br />
Woodlands Project<br />
Officer<br />
(Education and<br />
Interpretation)<br />
Coralie Hopwood<br />
Woodlands Project<br />
Officer (Ecclesall<br />
Woods Sawmill site)<br />
Ted Talbot<br />
Community Services Section<br />
Southern Ranger Team<br />
Ranger<br />
Henk Littlewood<br />
Southern Ranger<br />
Team Leader<br />
Mark Colton<br />
Ranger<br />
John Amos<br />
NS/ecclsall<strong>woods</strong>site<strong>management</strong>structure/EG
Assistant Tree<br />
Maintenance Officer<br />
(South) Dan Bright<br />
Team Leader<br />
Chris Rogers<br />
Plus 3 arborists<br />
Wider Support within Development, Environment and Leisure Directorate<br />
Street Force<br />
Assistant Area<br />
Manager<br />
(Horticulture)<br />
Richard Payne<br />
Assistant Area<br />
Manager<br />
(Cleansing)<br />
Linda Helliwell<br />
Development<br />
Services,<br />
South Yorkshire<br />
Archaeology Service<br />
Assistant<br />
Archaeologist<br />
Jim McNeil<br />
Other Key Partners<br />
Friends <strong>of</strong> Ecclesall Woods<br />
Dore Village Society<br />
<strong>Sheffield</strong> Hallam <strong>University</strong><br />
Working Woodlands Trust<br />
Tinsley Tree Project<br />
Ruskin Mill Educational<br />
Trust (Freeman College)<br />
South Yorkshire Forest<br />
Partnership<br />
2<br />
Premises and Assets<br />
Management<br />
Programme Works<br />
Manager<br />
Paul Connelly<br />
Highway Services<br />
Public Rights <strong>of</strong><br />
Way Officer<br />
Mick Hanson<br />
NS/ecclsall<strong>woods</strong>site<strong>management</strong>structure/EG
DAH DAH<br />
D<br />
HH<br />
zz<br />
x<br />
zz<br />
WHIRLOWDALE ROAD<br />
ABBEY LANE<br />
D<br />
D<br />
D DH H D H<br />
ECCLESALL ROAD SOUTH<br />
t<br />
DOBCROFT ROAD<br />
E<br />
DH<br />
z<br />
River Sheaf<br />
z<br />
WHIRLOWDALE ROAD<br />
z<br />
x<br />
DHF<br />
D<br />
H<br />
A D<br />
A D<br />
z<br />
x<br />
x<br />
D A<br />
z<br />
D<br />
z<br />
LIMB LANE<br />
KEY<br />
ABBEY<br />
LANE<br />
D<br />
D<br />
H<br />
D<br />
Boundary <strong>of</strong><br />
Ecclesall Woods<br />
ABBEYDALE ROAD SOUTH<br />
D H<br />
A<br />
z<br />
A D<br />
z<br />
Transco Sub-station<br />
ADH H<br />
E<br />
z<br />
DA<br />
H<br />
A<br />
D<br />
Transco Gas main<br />
D<br />
H<br />
H<br />
D<br />
DHD<br />
Yorkshire Electricity Sub-station<br />
Yorkshire Eletricity Pipeline<br />
Yorkshire Water Pipeline<br />
D DA H<br />
500<br />
metres<br />
250<br />
0<br />
D<br />
FIGURE 1.4 SERVICES within ECCLESALL WOODS<br />
Parks and<br />
Countryside<br />
Reproduced from the ordnance Survey map with the permission <strong>of</strong> the Controller <strong>of</strong> Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright 2006. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. OS Licence No. 100018816.2006
MAIN<br />
SITE<br />
ENTRANCE<br />
ABBEY LANE<br />
Storage<br />
portacabin<br />
Storage<br />
portacabin<br />
<br />
Staff toilets &<br />
basic messroom<br />
Compost<br />
Bin<br />
Office<br />
portacabin<br />
Workshop 1<br />
Public<br />
toilets<br />
<br />
Vistors'<br />
Car Park<br />
Dehumidifier<br />
<br />
Workshop 2<br />
<br />
Pedestrian<br />
links to<br />
woodland<br />
Retail outlet<br />
&<br />
Gallery 37<br />
(in <strong>of</strong>fice portacabin)<br />
KEY<br />
Sawmill Site Boundary<br />
<br />
Main Vehicular Access<br />
FIGURE 1.8 ECCLESALL WOODS SAWMILL SITE LAYOUT PLAN<br />
Parks and<br />
Countryside<br />
Reproduced from the ordnance Survey map with the permission <strong>of</strong> the Controller <strong>of</strong> Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright 2006. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. OS Licence No. 100018816.2006
DAH DAH<br />
D<br />
8 )<br />
HH<br />
<br />
1 )<br />
<br />
zz<br />
x<br />
zz<br />
WHIRLOWDALE ROAD<br />
ABBEY LANE<br />
7 )<br />
t<br />
D<br />
D<br />
D DH H D H<br />
<br />
2 )<br />
ECCLESALL ROAD SOUTH<br />
DOBCROFT ROAD<br />
<br />
<br />
DH ) E<br />
<br />
) 6 9 )<br />
5<br />
10<br />
10<br />
)<br />
<br />
4 )<br />
z<br />
z<br />
17 ) 17<br />
17<br />
<br />
WHIRLOWDALE ROAD<br />
z<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3 )<br />
x<br />
12<br />
12 DHF<br />
AD H<br />
D<br />
16 16<br />
16<br />
<br />
15<br />
15 )<br />
11<br />
11 )<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
)<br />
)<br />
18<br />
18 )<br />
32<br />
32 )<br />
A D<br />
z<br />
19<br />
19 19x<br />
x ) 20<br />
20 <br />
))) <br />
21<br />
21 21<br />
D A<br />
z<br />
D<br />
z<br />
LIMB LANE<br />
ABBEYDALE ROAD SOUTH<br />
ABBEY<br />
LANE<br />
13 ) 13<br />
13<br />
14<br />
14 )<br />
23<br />
23 )<br />
<br />
<br />
22<br />
22<br />
<br />
31<br />
31 )<br />
D<br />
D<br />
H<br />
D<br />
<br />
30 ) 30<br />
30<br />
D H<br />
A<br />
z<br />
A D<br />
z<br />
24<br />
24 )<br />
<br />
ADH H<br />
E<br />
z<br />
DA<br />
H<br />
A<br />
D<br />
D<br />
H<br />
H<br />
D<br />
DHD<br />
<br />
<br />
29<br />
29 )<br />
28<br />
28 )<br />
KEY<br />
Woodland Boundary<br />
25<br />
25 )<br />
26<br />
26 )<br />
<br />
Access Point and Number<br />
<br />
<br />
D DA H<br />
500<br />
metres<br />
250<br />
0<br />
D<br />
<br />
27<br />
27 )<br />
FIGURE 1.9 ACCESS POINTS<br />
Parks and<br />
Countryside<br />
Reproduced from the ordnance Survey map with the permission <strong>of</strong> the Controller <strong>of</strong> Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright 2006. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. OS Licence No. 100018816.2006
Figure 1.11 Outline vision for Ecclesall Woods sawmill site<br />
Parks and<br />
Countryside<br />
Reproduced from the ordnance Survey map with the permission <strong>of</strong> the Controller <strong>of</strong> Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright 2006. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. OS Licence No. 100018816.2006
DAH DAH<br />
D<br />
H<br />
KEY<br />
Site Management Works<br />
zz<br />
x<br />
Woodland Boundary<br />
zz<br />
Tree-thining works<br />
(small scale)<br />
t<br />
Footpath Improvements<br />
D<br />
D<br />
D DH H D H<br />
Meadow Management<br />
E<br />
DH<br />
Coppice Management<br />
z<br />
z<br />
z<br />
x<br />
DHF<br />
D<br />
H<br />
A D<br />
A D<br />
z<br />
x<br />
x<br />
D A<br />
Other Key Outcomes<br />
z<br />
D<br />
Further regeneration <strong>of</strong><br />
the Sawmill site<br />
z<br />
D<br />
Targetted archaeological<br />
site survey and assessment<br />
D<br />
H<br />
D<br />
D H<br />
A<br />
z<br />
A D<br />
z<br />
Protection and enhancement<br />
<strong>of</strong> key BAP species and<br />
habitats<br />
ADH H<br />
E<br />
z<br />
DA<br />
H<br />
A<br />
D<br />
Enlarged interpretative,<br />
educational and training<br />
programmes<br />
D<br />
H<br />
H<br />
D<br />
DHD<br />
Strengthened partnerships<br />
with key stakeholders<br />
D DA H<br />
D<br />
FIGURE 4.1 PROPOSED MAJOR MANAGEMENT WORKS 2007 - 2011<br />
Parks and<br />
Countryside<br />
Reproduced from the ordnance Survey map with the permission <strong>of</strong> the Controller <strong>of</strong> Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright 2006. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. OS Licence No. 100018816.2006