Sodylt Wood - Ellesmere

Site Description

Sodylt Wood lies alongside the river Dee and is an important part of this well-wooded valley. Approximately 20% of the woodland boundary lies adjacent to the river with the rest of the site adjacent to pasture land. Ground flora is diverse, particularly along the rides and riparian zone (riverside). The site was acquired in 1987 as a clear fell site with some mature alder, ash and sycamore retained along the river edge. Woodland cover is in the form of natural regeneration, coppice regrowth, with supplementary planting of native broadleaf species in 1989 / 90. Prior to the 1985 clear fell the main species on site were elm, ash, beech and sycamore.

The wood was identified as ancient semi-natural woodland (ASNW) in the 1988 ancient woodland survey completed by the Nature Conservancy Council (English Nature) who at the time of the survey identified one hundred and eight vascular plants on the site. The ecological importance of the river Dee riparian zone has been highlighted by its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by English Nature and the Countryside Council for Wales. The Shropshire Wildlife Trust has also acknowledged the valleys importance and the site is incorporated in one of the Trusts Prime Sites for Conservation (Ref. No SJ 3402).

Sodylt Wood is located on a steep to moderate westward facing bank. The soils on site are variable and consist of the mixed derivatives from the sandstone substrate and glacial deposits with high clay content. This leads to poor drainage on much of the site and the occurrence of numerous springs and wet flushes. The variety of soils and moisture regimes is undoubtedly an important factor in the diverse ground flora, however as a result of the clear cut much of the ground flora across the site has been suppressed by a dense covering of bramble. A fishing consortium retain control and management of the fishing rights along the woodland river edge by way of a covenant with formed part of transfer conditions at time of purchase by the Woodland Trust.

The site has a well-maintained circular path but no through public rights of way, it is very isolated with poor parking within easy walking distance. Consequently, the site has a low frequency of visits from the general public. There is one main access point at the northern tip of the wood. Here a 10 foot management gate and a pedestrian squeeze post are located. The wood is not suitable for wheelchair/pushchair access.