GEOLOGY
The rocks underlying the two woodlands date from the Carboniferous period of geological history and belong to the Upper Coal Measures .

As a rule, the upper slopes of each wood are occupied by sandstones, with softer shales outcropping on the steep valley sides and in the valley bottoms.

In the western part of Gibbing Greave, these rocks are, at least partly covered by boulder clay dating from the Ice Age.

The interior of Gibbing Greave, looking south-westwards across the stream to the Beech plantation.

LANDSCAPE
The woodlands occupy the valley bottoms and steeply sloping sides of two stream valleys. A small un-named stream runs east to west through Gibbing Greave and on the southern side of this, in the centre of the wood, there are a number of springs. The southern edge of Herringthorpe Wood is formed by Herringthorpe Beck, which has its source on the southern edge of the woodland.

The altitude of Gibbing Greave ranges from just under 60 metres above sea level, where the stream leaves the western edge of the wood to just over 90 metres at the south-east corner of the wood. Herringthorpe Wood ranges in altitude from around 50 metres where Herringthorpe Beck leaves its northern tip, to approximately 90 metres on its north-eastern edge.

SOILS
Most of the soils underlying the woodlands are thin, moderately acid (pH 4 to 6), and free draining. This easy drainage combined with the influence of the steep slopes and the fact that many of the plantation areas are characterised by bare soil has led to nutrients being leached from the soil. In addition, some of these areas of bare soil are currently affected by soil erosion.

Along streams the soils are wetter and less acid (pH 6 to 6.5). The ground in the area of Alder carr to the north of Herringthorpe Wood is particularly marshy.

VIEWPOINTS
The two woodlands are prominent features of the local landscape and also offer fine views of the surrounding countryside.

The best views across the surrounding area can be obtained from the point where the two woodlands meet, on the upper edge of Herringthorpe Valley Park. From here can be seen Keppel's Column, the spire of Wentworth church and Hoober Stand; three features associated with the Wentworth Woodhouse estate. In addition there are more general views across Rotherham and the valley of the River Don.