Semi-natural Oak woodland

In contrast to the majority of the woodland area, much of the northern half of Gibbing Greave retains a semi-natural character, having a canopy of 90 to 100 year old Sessile Oak combined with younger Sycamores and smaller numbers of mature Beech and Ash.

Beneath the tree canopy is a well-developed shrub layer dominated by Holly and Bramble, together with locally abundant saplings, mainly of Beech and Oak, but also of Rowan, Birch and Sycamore. The woodland edges, for example along Brecks Lane, are richer, with Elder, Dog Rose, Blackthorn, Crab Apple, Field Maple and Hawthorn present.

In marked contrast to the plantation areas, the ground flora of this semi-natural area is well developed, being dominated by grasses, such as Wavy-hair Grass, False Oat-grass, Wood Millet and Creeping Soft-grass. Flowers such as Bluebell are locally abundant and these increase in frequency towards the edges of the wood, where other species present include Dog's Mercury, Wood Anemone, Lesser Celandine and Ramsons.