Skipton Woods - Skipton
Site Description
Skipton Woods (also known locally as Skipton Castle Woods, Castle woods or Springs Wood) are situated on the northern fringe of Skipton. This 36 acre (14.98Hectare) site, leased to the Woodland Trust for 75 years, has been owned by Skipton Castle for almost 1000 years, being managed originally to provide fishing and hunting for the castle, more recently during the 18th and 19th centuries to provide timber, building stone and most importantly, water, to feed and power the towns woollen, corn and sawmills. Stone and timber moved via Springs Canal (an offshoot of the Leeds Liverpool Canal), and water via Eller Beck, dammed to form Long Dam, which feeds Round Dam (small reservoir) which feeds via a series of sluices and dams a mill leatt (Sandy Goit) through to the former sawmill and the corn mill.
The majority of the woodland is broadleaved, oak and ash, designated as Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland. It does contain a moderate percentage of introduced beech and sycamore, along with a scattering of other non-native species including hornbeam and sweet chestnut. Four hectares of the woodland to the north west, designated as Replanted Ancient Woodland, has been replanted with a mixture of oak, Scots pine, larch and Norway spruce. (Poplar also planted was felled out completely in 1991). Whilst the designations indicate a more ancient appearance, the woodland has had almost 1000 years of mans influence through the Castle ownership, and retains little of the wild oak/ ashwood that would once have stood here.
The site follows the valley of Eller Beck, with moderate to steep slopes to the east and west, which have in many places been affected by quarrying operations, resulting in steep slopes and exposed rock faces. Paths running along the north-western and eastern boundaries have excellent views over and along this wooded valley. Access to the woodlands was first allowed by the current owners of the Castle in 1971, under restricted opening hours (9am till 5pm) and wardened. Under the management of the Woodland Trust the site has full public access at all times. In 1998 over 2000 metres of the paths were re-surfaced providing excellent access for the huge numbers of visitors who come to see the town and castle. Access from the wood to the town High Street is along the towpath of Springs canal, alongside the impressive castle ramparts. This access was also re-surfaced and improved by Skipton Town Council in 1997. Pedestrian access is also available from the north west, via footpaths and from The Bailey - to the east, via a permissive path owned by the castle. The woodland is signposted from the town. The remainder of the site is accessible along 800m of un-surfaced path. Car parking is also available in the town. Management access is available from the main entrance to the south and from the north west.
FLORA: Much of the ground flora in the woodland is representative of ancient and semi natural woodland with dense carpets of wild garlic, bluebells and dogs mercury throughout. Surveys have been undertaken and have found good numbers of species of flora and fauna associated with Semi-Natural Ancient Woodland.
FAUNA: Despite the high visitor numbers, Skipton Woods support a rich diversity of wildlife. Notable species include badgers, a resident population of 4 roe deer , at least 5 species of bat, including the large noctule bat, pipistrelle, natterers, Brown long eared, and the Daubentons bat which hunts specifically over open water. The woods also hold a population of kingfisher, spotted and green woodpeckers, spotted flycatchers and sparrow hawk.
