HOLLINHURST WOOD

Description : Hollinhurst is a remnant of ancient semi-natural woodland overlooking the north-eastern side of the Lower Aire Valley. It is a composed mostly of oak and birch, wych elm, with a small amount of hazel (coppiced in the past) with some incursion by sycamore. The understorey includes crab apples, guelder rose and field maple, which suggest a woodland of some antiquity.

The north-western part of the wood develops into open scrub and grassland, which is particularly noted for its nature conservation value, earning the woodland a Site of Ecological and Geological Importance (SEGI) designation.

Within the woodland are historic 'ridge and furrows', relics of ploughing in the distant past, which have possibly been undisturbed since Medieval times. There are also numerous spoil mounds and bell pits which are legacies of past coal mining operations.

The woodland is managed in association with local groups, with the aim of maintaining its important contribution to the developing wooded resource in the Lower Aire Valley, providing an attractive environment with areas for wildlife, recreation and education.

Access and facilities : Full public access with a maintained permissive footpath is in place. There are multiple pedestrian access points, from Preston Lane and Queens Street. Car parking is available opposite the wood next to the primary school where an interpretation board is located.

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