Woodland

The creation of a viable woodland habitat on a reclaimed opencast site was not something that could be achieved overnight. However, by starting the planting scheme of trees and shrubs whilst the site was still being worked ensured as early establishment as possible.

The creation of many smaller blocks of woodland ensures a large amount of woodland edge habitats which are generally preferred by most bird species. This allows them the cover and protection of the trees as well as access to the more open areas in which many feed. Jay, Sparrowhawk, Woodpecker, Pigeon, Pheasant, Long-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, and Little Owl, Blue Tit, Green Finch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Bullfinch, can all be seen in and around the woodland plantings. Today the work goes on. Rother Valley is within the South Yorkshire Forest, the aim of which is to create a mosaic landscape of woodland open meadows and wetland. The adjacent Pit house west site is extensively planted, a third of its area contributing to the woodland of the community forest. This habitat will then provide the sort of open, young woodland favoured by some species, as the original plantings reach a more mature stage, attracting other species of plants and animals.


The long term aim is to manage all the woodland within the park in a traditional, sustainable manner. As the trees become large enough coppicing of selected examples will be practised. The tree is cut just above ground level to form a stool which regrows as several shoots. These shoots are then cut at regular intervals of about 10 years to produce a sustainable crop of wood for firewood, stakes, poles, hurdle making, and fencing materials.


Such practices produce a healthy woodland ecosystem, with tall standard trees, coppiced stools and allow enough light to reach the floor for a wide variety of woodland plants to flourish.