Broadhead Clough Nature Reserve

Broadhead Clough was purchased in December 1981 with help from WWF-UK and West Yorkshire Metropolitan County Council. Previously the reserve had been heavily grazed preventing woodland regeneration. The Trust fenced off the reserve in 1986 to restrict grazing and since then young trees have developed and the ground vegetation has greatly improved. There is more than woodland to this reserve though with several distinctive habitats.

The most important of these is the woodland bog with its characteristic fauna and flora, including Sphagnum and star mosses. In total sixty-five species of mosses and liverworts have been found on the reserve. At the top of the reserve the oak and birch woodland grade into heathland, with areas of exposed rock face to the south. There is also a network of streams through the lower part of the reserve. This range of habitat supports many species, including 114 species of plants such as marsh violet and cowberry. This is also a great site for fungi with over 164 species recorded!

On the fauna side birds of interest that can be seen at Broadhead Clough include woodcock, fieldfare and redpolls. Mammals such as bank voles, fox and roe deer are also common on this reserve. Management today largely involves the upkeep of the perimeter fence to ensure the habitat within the reserve continues to improve in the absence of grazing. Invasive species bracken, birch and willow are also controlled in selected areas.

Directions

Broadhead Clough lies about half-a-mile south of Mytholmroyd, which is on the A646 Halifax to Todmorden road. From Mytholmroyd, take the B6138, signposted Littleborough, until the houses on the right give way to fields after about half-a-mile. The road then swings left and right to cross Dauber Bridge. Immediately before the bridge on the right is a track with a public footpath sign to Frost Hole. Vehicles are not allowed to use this track and cars should be parked on the roadside well before the bridge at Dauber. Walk along the track for about a quarter-of-a-mile and fork left onto the concrete road. In another quarter-of-a-mile the track forks right and left. The path through the reserve lies straight ahead. There is only one major right of way through the reserve. It is well marked and visitors are urged to stay on it. It is however very steep in places and frequently quite wet. For safety, as well as conservation reasons, visitors should avoid the bogs and areas of marsh.