Streamside woodlands

Where streams flow through the woodland areas, the composition of these changes. Streamside areas continue to support relatively semi-natural communities of trees and plants and also several ancient woodland indicators found nowhere else on the site.

Particularly associated with streamsides are large, mature trees of Hybrid Black Poplar. These are particularly common in the small strip of woodland at the north-west tip of Gibbing Greave and along Herringthorpe Beck. Many of these Poplars are in poor condition and lean severely; others have fallen entirely or been felled and many of the latter are now resprouting profusely. In association with these can be found a wide variety of tree species, including Sycamore, Sessile Oak, Alder, Sweet Chestnut, Wych Elm, English Elm and Ash, the last of which is relatively common alongside streams in Gibbing Greave.

The shrub layer in these streamside areas is open, with Elder, Hawthorn, Hazel, Dog Rose, Guelder Rose and young saplings of Oak, Beech Ash and Sycamore. The ground flora is relatively rich and includes the ancient woodland indicators, Yellow Archangel, Wood Sorrel, Bluebell, Dog's Mercury, Ramsons, Yellow Pimpernel, Wood Anemone, Wood Melick and Great Woodrush.