OWLCOTES PLANTATION

Description : Owlcotes is the site of a substantial medieval settlement which survived into the 19th century. All buildings on the site were demolished early in the 20th century. Evidence that is typical of medieval settlements can still be found in the area. During its peak in the 14th century, Owlcotes contained about nine families, but by the 19th century, they had been reduced to two. This area has now been classed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument by English Heritage.

Overlooking the Stanningley bypass, the land was previously used for grazing by a local farmer and was then planted as a woodland in 1992. The management plans for the woodland are mainly aimed at conservation, recreation and the production of high quality hardwood timber. Conifers, growing relatively quickly compared to species such as the oak will provide an intermediate yield of timber through thinnings. The eventual management aim is to achieve a mixed woodland of predominantly oak, ash, sycamore and wild cherry with smaller proportions of hornbeam, maple, lime coppice and conifers.

Access and facilities : Pedestrian access is from Owlcotes Lane.

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