Rotherham's Woodland Estate

The Council owns 43 woodlands on 484 hectares across the borough. The woodlands offer many things to do and see and all are open for activities such as walking, running, photography and natural history study. Some also offer opportunities for horse-riding, cycling, orienteering and exploration of features of archaeological interest.

The woodlands vary greatly in age. Some are recently established but almost half of the sites are classed as ancient semi-natural woodlands - places that have been continuously wooded for at least 400 years and recognised nationally as the most important woodland type in England for nature conservation. Because of their long history they are a living record of the past, reflecting the landscape, industrial and social history of Rotherham, as well as being home for a wide variety of special wildlife.

All the woodlands, young and old, are a major part of the natural environment and an important factor in the quality of life in the borough. Together with their wildlife, recreation and archaeology benefits they contribute considerably to the local landscape, improve the local environment and help to promote Rotherham as a setting for investment.

Management Plans and Site Appraisals

All of the Council's 44 woodland sites have some form of documentation to guide their management.

As a minimum, all woodlands have a site appraisal. This provides some basic information about each site, such as a brief description of the tree and other plant species present, access and recreation, landscape, wildlife and archaeology.

This is a photograph of a management plan We are working to prepare full management plans for all woodlands on the estate. Management plans provide more detailed information on the areas briefly covered by the site appraisal, together with a five year work programme of management operations.