Green Hirst Wood

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire

England

Green Hirst Wood

Willow pony A willow sculpture of what appears to be a Dales pony at Hardcastle Crags. — Willow pony Credit: Kathleen Illingworth

Green Hirst Wood, located in Yorkshire, is a beautiful woodland area known for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, the wood is a mixture of broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and ash, as well as coniferous species such as pine and spruce.

The wood is home to a wide range of wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot various species of birds, such as woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes, along with small mammals like squirrels and hedgehogs. The wood also supports a rich variety of plant life, including bluebells, wild garlic, and ferns, which add to its aesthetic appeal.

The wood offers a network of well-maintained trails and pathways, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These trails provide stunning views of the surrounding countryside and are ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling. There are also designated picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Green Hirst Wood is not only a haven for nature lovers but also serves as an important site for conservation efforts. The woodland is managed carefully to maintain its biodiversity and protect its native species. Conservation activities include tree planting, habitat restoration, and wildlife monitoring.

Overall, Green Hirst Wood is a cherished natural gem in Yorkshire, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Its accessibility, diverse flora and fauna, and commitment to conservation make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a connection with nature.

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Green Hirst Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.766526/-2.0194265 or Grid Reference SD9830. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Willow pony

A willow sculpture of what appears to be a Dales pony at Hardcastle Crags.

Kathleen Illingworth

Abel Cross

A pair of wayside marker stones on the slopes above Crimsworth Dean

Kevin Waterhouse

Helliwell Wood Farmhouse

In Crimsworth Dean

Kevin Waterhouse

Barker Cote Farmhouse

Converted to residential

Kevin Waterhouse

Aqueduct in Crimsworth Dean

The aqueduct connects a dam on the west side of Bridge Clough with one on the east. These dams connect with ones lower down the valley and all appeared to service Midgehole Dye Works

Kevin Waterhouse

Nook Farmhouse

Named Nook on modern OS maps but originally Upper Sunny Bank Farmhouse with a lower Sunny Bank nearby

Kevin Waterhouse

Hebden Water Footbridge

Just south of the confluence with Rowshaw Clough

Kevin Waterhouse

High Greenwood House

View from Widdop Road

Kevin Waterhouse

Weir on Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

Humphrey Bolton

Rock outcrop, Hardcastle Crags

Humphrey Bolton

Path on a flat valley Floor, Hardcastle Crags

This is on the Green Route. In some places the valley is V-shaped with little space each side of the river, and in some places it is quite wide and flat.

Humphrey Bolton

Fallen tree across Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

This tree makes a 'leaky dam' to help to slow flood flows to reduce flooding in Hebden Bridge downstream. This looks to have occurred naturally, but some trees trunks and poles have been placed across the river that will form dams when floating debris has lodged on them.

Humphrey Bolton

Footbridge across Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

This is on the Green Route. The path formerly continued up the west side of the river and is still shown thus on maps. However it appears to have been eroded away and part of it has been re-routed to the east side, requiring two new footbridges.

Humphrey Bolton

New tree-planting amongst tall beeches, Hardcastle Crags

"There are areas of Hardcastle Crags that are densely populated by beech trees. These trees block the light from reaching the woodland floor and have stopped plants and flowers from growing underneath them. The lack of ground vegetation is a problem for wildlife and is also a worry during periods of heavy rain. With no ground plants to slow the flow, the rainwater flows quickly to the streams taking leaf litter and soil with it - this causes blockages which increases the risk of flooding in Hebden Bridge and the local area. We've started work to selectively fell trees across the woodland. As well as increasing the light level to help the vegetation and wildlife on the woodland floor, new homes for bats and birds will be created from the thinned beech trees, and their branches will be used to build leaky wooden dams – natural flood management techniques to help slow the flow of rainwater. The work will be completed by carefully chosen contractors who will inspect each tree for signs of bat habitation before work starts, and new trees, including oak, rowan, birch and holly, will be planted to replace the beech trees." From Link

Humphrey Bolton

Weir on Hebden Water, Hardcastle Crags

This looks like a flow measurement weir, and there is a small building nearby that might house the equipment. However an internet search suggests that it is no longer in use.

Humphrey Bolton