Birley Wood

Wood, Forest in Derbyshire

England

Birley Wood

A6135 Moor Valley, at Moor Valley Close Credit: Colin Pyle

Birley Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Derbyshire, England. It is situated in the eastern part of the county, near the village of Birley. Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, the wood is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility amidst the beauty of the natural world.

The woodland is predominantly composed of broadleaf trees, including oak, ash, and beech, which create a dense canopy overhead. This canopy provides shade and shelter for a diverse range of flora and fauna that call Birley Wood their home. Bluebells, wood sorrel, and wild garlic carpet the forest floor during spring, creating a stunning display of vibrant colors and sweet scents.

Birley Wood is also home to a variety of wildlife species. Visitors may have the chance to spot deer, foxes, badgers, and a myriad of bird species such as woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes. The wood is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its importance as a habitat for several rare and endangered species.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Birley Wood offers a network of well-maintained footpaths that meander through the forest, providing opportunities for leisurely walks and peaceful exploration. The wood is a popular destination for birdwatching, photography, and nature study, attracting visitors from near and far.

Birley Wood is a true gem of Derbyshire, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking solace in the heart of nature.

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Birley Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.336635/-1.3925165 or Grid Reference SK4082. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A6135 Moor Valley, at Moor Valley Close

Colin Pyle

A6135 at Owlthorpe Rise

Colin Pyle

Hackenthorpe tram stop

Bob Harvey

Ridgeway Arms, Mosborough Moor, Nr Sheffield.

Andrew Loughran

Parkgate Drive, off Quarry Hill, near Ridgeway.

Andrew Loughran

Ridgeway Craft Centre, Near Sheffield

Andrew Loughran

Ridgeway Church, Near Sheffield.

Andrew Loughran

Ford Dam at Ridgeway, Nr Sheffield.

Andrew Loughran

Ridgeway Craft Centre, Near Sheffield (NE Derbyshire)

Andrew Loughran

Church Lane, Ridgeway, Nr Sheffield

Andrew Loughran

St. John's Ridgeway from west

The village of Ridgeway has a string sense of identity as evidence their comprehensive website : Link

Graham Hardy

Carr Forge Dam

In the Shirebrook Valley below Woodhouse were several waterwheels, possibly dating back to Tudor times, and part of Sheffield's early industrial heritage. This shows Carr Forge Dam with the water levels lower than usual because of the prolonged dry spell. The Shire Brook was in times past the border between the ancient kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria and more lately between Yorkshire and Derbyshire, hence the name Shire Brook.

David Morris

Shire Brook

In the Shirebrook Valley, the brook itself fed several waterwheels in times past including SK4184 : Carr Forge Dam.

David Morris

Stone Lane, Woodhouse

This road once served the sewage works and Badger Tools. Both have now gone, but the sewage works buildings have been converted into buildings for the Shirebrook Valley Nature Reserve. The end of the road (behind me) seems to be a place where old cars go to die, or be burned out by the local yoofs. The speed ramps are probably there to stop the yoofs damaging themselves too much when the cars are crashed into the gates at the end.

David Morris

Ducks on Carr Forge Dam

Since a youngster nearly killed himself when his fishing pole touched overhead live wires a few years ago, fishing on the dam has been banned by order of Sheffield Council, so the ducks have free rein. Here, mummy-duck sits on the stone keeping an eye on youngster. As I cycled past, another five of this year's brood appeared out from under the shelter of the bank.

David Morris

Houses on Scowerdons estate

Can't really say much more. This is the bottom end of Hackenthorpe, the opposite side of the Shirebrook Valley to Woodhouse and Beighton.

David Morris

Remains of Nether Wheel, Woodhouse

Along with SK4184 : Carr Forge Dam, the Nether Wheel was yet another of the waterwheels along the Shirebrook Valley. This one still has visible remains of the buildings, buried in woodland although accessible by waymarked footpaths. This wheel probably drove grinding stones or similar for the manufacture of agricultural tools.

David Morris