TREES
The woodlands of the Gleadless Valley contain a mixture of native and non-native trees.

Of the native species, Oak and Birch are particularly widespread, especially on steep dry slopes such as that occupied by much of Buck Wood.

The most common non-native trees in the valley's woodlands are Beech and Sycamore, the latter being particularly frequent in Buck Wood. These two species can be found throughout the wood, although as would be expected, they are particularly associated with planted areas.

SHRUBS
The density of shrub layer varies widely between different parts of the wood. It is at its most dense in areas of semi-natural woodland and is much less well developed under planted areas.

Of the shrubs found in the valley, Hazel is the most widespread in Buck Wood. Other shrubs present include Holly, Elder and Guelder Rose.

WOODLAND GROUND FLORA
The most species-rich areas of Buck Wood are at its edges as well as close to the stream and in other wet areas. Sixteen ancient woodland indicator species have been recorded, including Wood Anemone, Bluebell, Yellow Archangel, Dog's Mercury, Wood Sorrel, Hairy Woodrush, Wood Melick and Wood Millet on drier sites and Golden Saxifrage, Ramsons and Remote Sedge on wetter areas.

Buck Wood differs from other woodlands in the Gleadless Valley in containing a number of relatively large glades. Bracken, grasses and patches of Bramble dominate in the drier glades together with some patches of woodland species such as Bluebell and Wood Anemone. A wetter glade, near to the stream has a marshy area with Floating Sweet-grass, Bittersweet, Great Willowherb, Angelica and Marsh Thistle.

More general information on the plants and trees of the Heritage Woodlands can be found elsewhere on this website.