Upper Park Wood Nature Reserve

The reserve lies between 152m and 183m above sea level on a steep south-west facing slope of the Lower Coal Measures. Alternating with sandstones and shales, five coal seams outcrop down the hillside, evidenced by the remains of many old coalpits along the valley, two of which are in the reserve. Millstone Grits to the west underly the moorlands of the Holmfirth countryside.

In the woodland, the canopy is predominantly oak. Holly dominates much of the shrub layer, with bluebells and foxgloves giving a brilliant display in season. The woodland edge is an attractive habitat for butterflies and other flying insects whilst the quantity of plant litter and decomposing wood provides habitats for a good variety of invertebrates. The unimproved acidic grassland with its developing scrub of gorse and broom provides a good display of heath bedstraw and tormentil.

Mammals recorded in the area include fox and stoat. There have been frequent sightings of birds such as linnet, redstart, treecreeper, great spotted and green woodpecker. The Trust works hard to improve the reserve's biodiversity. Woodland management mainly involves the control of holly, brambles and bracken to maintain the open areas for bluebells, wood sorrel and other flowering plants. Recent work has included the construction of a pond fed by a small stream and the planting of 150 yards of mixed hedgerow. The reserve is owned by Kirklees Metropolitan Council and is jointly managed with the Trust.

Directions

The wood is one mile north of Honley, between Huddersfield and Holmfirth in the attractive Holme Valley.

Approach via Northgate, a left turn off the A616 from Huddersfield, immediately after the A6024 turn-off towards Holmfirth (traffic lights). The road climbs steeply, and after about three-quarters of a mile and just after a sharp left bend, there is space to park on the left against a high wall. Walk uphill to the next bend and take the grassy track which leads off left.