INTRODUCTION
In common with the rest of Dearne Valley Park, management work at Cliffe Wood is undertaken by or on behalf of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council who own the area.

The main management objective for Dearne Valley Park as a whole is to maintain and enhance the present diversity of habitats. A management plan for Cliffe Wood itself will be prepared under the 'Fuelling a Revolution' programme.

More general information on the management of the woodlands and other habitats and on access improvements is given elsewhere on this website.

Selective felling of trees will be used to open up areas of closed tree canopy in which the shrub layer and ground flora are declining through lack of light. This will be particularly the case in the plantation area. Thinning of this kind will also have the effect of extending the lifespan of selected canopy trees and making room for their natural regeneration.

Native tree species typical of ancient semi-natural woodlands, such as Sessile Oak, Birch, Ash, Wild Cherry, Rowan, Common Alder, Crack Willow, Hazel and Hawthorn, will be encouraged, by means of natural regeneration whenever possible.

In all wooded areas of the site, tree inspections will be carried out and any hazardous trees close to paths will be made safe. Where possible however, both standing and fallen deadwood will be left on the site to provide a habitat for wildlife.

In some areas of woodland, management intervention will be minimal, either in order to protect species intolerant of disturbance or because management is unlikely to be beneficial.

NON-WOODED AREAS
Glades and rides will continue to be maintained. Invasive species such as Himalayan Balsam will be controlled. In addition, some tall herbs will be cleared from wetland areas in order to increase the diversity of wetland plants.

BIODIVERSITY
As part of the 'Fuelling a Revolution' programme, an ecological survey of the site will be undertaken. This will help to inform management work carried out on the site. All management work within the wood and its surrounding areas will take into account the need to maintain or increase populations of scarce and diminishing species, such as Song Thrush, many of which are associated with woodland edges.

HISTORY AND HERITAGE
An archaeological survey will be undertaken as part of the 'Fuelling a Revolution' programme. Features of archaeological and historical interest will then be protected.

ACCESS AND RECREATION
In order to encourage public access and recreation on the site, the footpath network will be maintained and improved. Wheelchair access to parts of the site will be maintained and where possible, improved. In addition, seating will be installed and waymarking and interpretative signs erected.

Rubbish removal will continue to take place on a regular basis and work will be undertaken to reduce the frequency of fly-tipping, vandalism and motorcycle scrambling. To achieve this, access points will be maintained and other parts of the site boundary, in particular along Rotherham Road will be strengthened.

In order to raise awareness of the history and natural history, recreational potential and management of the site, a programme of educational and interpretative events is being run as part of the 'Fuelling a Revolution' programme. The local community and other users of the site will be consulted about its management and encouraged to play an active role in this.