INTRODUCTION
Management work at Hail Mary Hill & Falconer Woods is undertaken by, or on behalf of, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council who own the site.

TREES AND WOODLANDS

A major aim in both areas of woodland is to enhance their ancient semi-natural character. A diverse structure with trees of differing ages is being promoted by selective thinning of trees. This will be carried out in such a way as to encourage native tree and shrub species typical of the local area. Thinning will also have the effect of extending the lifespan and improving the quality of selected trees, such as mature Oaks and Sweet Chestnuts as well as encouraging the development of a shrub layer and of a diverse ground flora.

Selected areas in both areas of woodland, particularly those under power lines, might benefit from the reintroduction of coppicing which, like thinning, would encourage native tree and flower species by letting in light. It would also create a diverse habitat for wildlife, in particular that preferring light but sheltered conditions.

NON-WOODED AREAS
Acid grassland areas such as that on top of Hail Mary Hill and in the glade in Treeton Wood will be kept free of invading trees and bracken as necessary.

Treeton Marsh and its associated area of wet woodland will be managed to increase their value to wildlife. This marsh area may be slowly silting up and drying out, helped by the colonisation of Willow, Greater Reedmace, Great Willowherb and the non-native and highly invasive species, Himalayan Balsam. As a result, some control of these plants may be required.

BIODIVERSITY
Both sites will be managed to conserve and promote their natural history and to maintain or increase their populations of key plant and animal, including the Purple Hairstreak butterfly, Song Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher, Brown Hare and bats. To achieve this, the mixed and semi-natural characteristics of the woodlands and other vegetation will be promoted. Dead wood will be retained wherever possible for its associated fungi, invertebrates, hole nesting birds and bats. In Treeton Marsh, Reed Canary-grass will be encouraged to benefit nesting Harvest Mice.

 

The children working in this area of young Bracken fronds are on a guided visit to Hail Mary Hill Wood as part of the Fuelling a Revolution education programme.

HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Features of archaeological and historical interest on the two sites, and in particular the Mesolithic site on Hail Mary Hill, will be protected. Further research will be undertaken into the archaeology of the two woodlands.

ACCESS AND RECREATION
Although both areas of woodland provide a wide range of opportunities for enjoyment of the countryside, the approach on access to the sites will be somewhat different, with Treeton Wood being managed as a lower-key and more informal recreational site.

Both sites are being managed in order to provide safe and appropriate public access. Formal access points and paths will be maintained and the use of informal access points and paths will be discouraged. Undesirable activities such as motorbike use, tipping, the abandonment of burnt- out cars and hunting and shooting will also be discouraged. A particular focus of the access work will be to provide access for less able-bodied persons where this is practical.

The local community are being encouraged to play a part in the care and management of the woodlands. Events relating to the natural history and historic interest of the sites are being held and educational use will be continued and further encouraged, particularly in the case of Hail Mary Hill and Falconer Woods.

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