GEOLOGY
Hail Mary Hill and Falconer Woods are underlain by Middle Coal Measures rocks dating from the Carboniferous period of geological history. These consist of alternating layers of shales and of Mexborough Rock, a sandstone. The latter has a characteristic reddish tinge and has been used in the construction of a number of significant buildings in the centre of Rotherham, including the Parish Church.

The northern end of Hail Mary Hill Wood showing the valley of Treeton Brook.

LANDSCAPE
Hail Mary Hill and Falconer Woods lie on the east side of the valley of the River Rother. The highest point, at the south-west corner of Falconer Wood is at about 80 metres above sea level. From here, the woodlands slope quite steeply down to the shore of Treeton Dyke.

Hail Mary Hill and Falconer Woods face mainly south westwards, although the northern limb of Hail Mary Hill Wood slopes northwards towards Treeton Brook. This stream runs through the northern edge of Hail Mary Hill Wood before spreading out to form Treeton Marsh and entering the open water area of Treeton Dyke. A number of springs run from the top of Falconer Wood down the slope towards Treeton Dyke.

The open water area of Treeton Dyke is artificial. It is situated over the original course of the River Rother, which was diverted in around 1840 to stabilise land for the building of the Midland Railway. The water of the cut-off produced was impounded in the late 1930's or 40's to provide water for Orgreave Colliery and it is this that now forms Treeton Dyke. The former Orgreave Colliery Tip on the far side is now being opencasted but, following this, will be restored as an area of open space.

SOILS
The soils underlying the woodland are acid brown earths with a pH ranging from 3.5 to 5.0. In some areas these can become waterlogged. Along the streams are narrow strips of finer textured alluvial soils containing clay and silt.

VIEWPOINTS
The area of acid grassland above Hail Mary Hill Wood offers extensive views northwards along the Rother Valley towards Rotherham, north-eastern parts of Sheffield and beyond. Treeton Wood is easily visible, a short distance away across fields. Canklow Wood, another of the Heritage Woodlands can also be seen, about two miles to the north.

The path along the shore of Treeton Dyke provides interesting views to the opencasting work on the old Orgreave Colliery tip.