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 and dry areas of flatter ground. Ash can be abundant in damper areas of woodland, particularly in valley bottoms and on stream banks. Although Elm was once an important species in these areas, its population has been heavily reduced as a result of Dutch Elm Disease and the only Elms found in the canopy are now dead. The wettest areas of woodland often have Alder and Crack Willow.

The most common non-native trees in the valley's woodlands are Beech, Sycamore and Sweet Chestnut. These can be found throughout the woods, although as would be expected, they are particularly associated with planted areas. Carr, Ashes & Coneygree Woods differ from the other woodlands in the valley in having a relatively small proportion of non-native trees.

SHRUBS
The density of shrub layer varies widely between different parts of the woodlands. 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 the northern part of Carr Wood some of this grows from coppice stools of over one metre in diameter. Other shrubs present include Holly, Elder and Guelder Rose. In addition, Hawthorn, Goat Willow, Blackthorn, Gorse and Broom can be found in areas of young woodland.

WOODLAND GROUND FLORA
Parts of the three woodlands have a rich ground flora. There are eighteen ancient woodland indicator species, including Wood Anemone, Bluebell, Yellow Archangel, Dog's Mercury, Wood Sorrel, Wood Millet, Yellow Pimpernel, Ramsons, Pignut, Golden Saxifrage, Remote Sedge, Great Woodrush and Hairy Woodrush.

The richest areas of ground flora are in the valley bottoms, beside streams and on wet ground. Because it is underlain by shales, the flora of Carr Wood is generally richer than that of Ashes and Coneygree Woods.

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