Stoneycliffe Wood Nature Reserve

This is an excellent, though variable, example of a Coal Measures woodland. The woods were managed for timber production in the past and some areas are dominated by sweet chestnut. Oak and birch regenerate freely, and dense stands of birch can be found in areas that have been accidentally burnt in the past. Holly, hazel and in one part heather, form the understorey. In spring there are magnificent displays of bluebells and wild garlic, with yellow archangel in summer.

Streamside plants include wood club-rush, hemlock water-dropwort and Sprengel’s bramble. A wide range of woodland birds can be seen. These include a variety of summer warblers such as chiffchaff, garden warbler and lesser whitethroat and spotted flycatcher breeds. All three species of woodpecker frequent the reserve, feeding on the invertebrates in dead wood, which is an important feature of the site. The several rare species of spider that have been recorded suggest that a variety of scarce insects may wait to be discovered. Vole and shrew species, stoat and fox may also be seen.

The reserve slopes down steeply from east to west, extending across Stoneycliffe Beck in the southern half. Sandstones of the Coal Measures outcrop at the top of the slope and low down by the streamside. Shales underlie much of the reserve and the soils are therefore acid with the occasional area that is more base-rich, increasing the diversity of the flora and fauna.

The Trust has been improving footpaths in the reserve to provide good access for visitors through. Practical conservation includes woodland thinning to increase structural and age diversity. Bracken is controlled annually to prevent it from invading the site and swamping the woodland flowers.

Directions

Stoneycliffe Wood lies four miles south-west of Wakefield and not far from the M1.  The reserve is west of and close to the village of Netherton.

A footpath enters the reserve opposite the Star Inn in Netherton.  There is on-street parking in Netherton, but please use this facility with due regard to the rights and convenience of residents. Another entrance is alongside Netherton Cemetery, and a third footpath enters from the signposted entrance road to Earnshaw's Timber Centre, almost in Midgley. Cars can be parked on the verge.