KIRKSTALL VALLEY ESTATE

Description : This estate is comprised of four separate woodlands within the framework of the Upper Aire Valley. These sites were formerly quarried or gleaned for millstone grit but have now reverted back to woodland and scrub.

The woodlands are predominantly mixed broadleaves mainly containing oak and sycamore, with the understories consisting of rowan, hazel, holly and guelder rose. Small pockets of heather can also be found.

Outwood is a wet wood surrounding a goit (artificial water channel) that formerly supplied a forge and mills.

These woodlands provide considerable colour and diversity to this suburban and formerly industrial area and are currently managed to ensure a continuity of multi-aged tree cover.

Cragg Wood contains a number of bird and bat boxes and the chain of woodlands provide ideal habitat corridors for a multitude of wildlife species.

Great Hawksworth has received active management in recent years through the removal of invasive tree species and the promotion of understorey and ground flora.

Access and facilities : Numerous public rights of way run through the woods which are accessible via Butcher Hill, Hawksworth Road, New Road Side, Abbey Road, Vesper Road, Cragside Walk and Cragside Close.

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