TREES
Like the other woodlands in the Gleadless Valley, Hang Bank Wood contains a mixture of native and non-native trees. It does however contain a relatively high proportion of the latter as a result of the planting of substantial quantities of Beech, Sycamore and Sweet Chestnut, along with lesser amounts of Common Lime, Hornbeam and Larch, during the latter part of the 19th century. Despite this, a good range of native trees can still be found in the wood, including Oak, Ash, Rowan, Elm, Holly, Field Maple, Elder, Hazel, Hawthorn and Blackthorn. In addition, Hang Bank Wood is the only woodland area with mature Yew trees in the Gleadless Valley.

SHRUBS
The shrub layer is relatively underdeveloped in Hang Bank Wood as a result of the dominance of planted trees. It is at its most dense in the most semi-natural areas of the woodland.

WOODLAND GROUND FLORA
In comparison to the other woodlands in the Gleadless Valley, Hang Bank Wood is very dry and, as a result of both this and the influence of tree planting, its flora is less diverse. Much of the wood is dominated by grasses, in particular Wavy-hair Grass and Creeping Soft-grass, but there are also occasional areas of Bracken and patches of the ancient woodland indicators, Bluebell, Wood Sage and Hairy Woodrush.

Ivy and Bramble are dominant in the dry valley area in the north-east of the site, which also has Lords and Ladies, Wood Broom and the ancient woodland indicator, Wood Millet.

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