Birdwell Woods - Birdwell, nr Hoyland Nether

Long term intentions

The long-term intention for the native secondary woodland is to develop and maintain a diverse, predominately broadleaved native oak/ash high forest with swathes of shrub habitat and scattered summer meadows and wet woodland glades. This will be achieved by management of the existing planting and any trees or shrubs introduced through natural regeneration, thus encouraging self-sustainability of the woodland and creation of a more diverse age structure in future years. The wood to be dominated (80-100%) by native broadleaved species with a mixed shrub layer. Ultimately the woodland will be managed to develop a self-sustaining uneven aged and structurally diverse canopy.

The long-term intentions for the mature ancient woodland areas is to maintain a native broadleaf high forest with a diverse species and age structure. To achieve this long term objective management work is likely to be confined to the control of rhododendron.

Public access will be available throughout the site with the existing footpaths and open spaces maintained. A network of permissive footpaths, rides and public footpaths will be maintained providing free public access for peaceful recreation complementing Worsbrough Country Park to the north.