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THORNCLIFFE WOOD Thorncliffe Wood is located adjacent to the A616 link road from Junction 35A of the M1 to the Stocksbridge by-pass, between Tankersley roundabout and Chapeltown. Along its northern edge, Thorncliffe Wood adjoins Newbiggin Wood, one of Barnsley's Heritage Woodlands. The wood is first mentioned in a document dating from around 1600. At this time it was known as Thorncliffe Spring. Both the word 'Spring' and the description of the wood in the document show that it was managed by coppicing for the production of charcoal and other products. Indeed, in 1657, the wood was included in a charcoal contract between Lionel Copley, a Rotherham ironmaster, and the 2nd Earl of Strafford of Wentworth Woodhouse. Thorncliffe Wood is a semi-natural ancient woodland. Although it is now dominated mainly by Sycamore, it also has a significant number of Oak trees as well as a few Beech and Ash. The shrub layer consists mainly of young Sycamore, Ash and Elm, plus a few Willow and Birch. There is a rich ground flora, including a number of species characteristic of ancient woodland sites. The Trans-Pennine Trail, part of a national network of multi-user paths, runs through the wood. Access to areas of the woodland away from this, though possible, is less good. Under the Fuelling a Revolution programme, woodland restoration and access improvement work is taking place to restore Thorncliffe Wood to its former glory and to maximise its potential as a recreational and educational resource. Some thinning and group felling will be carried out in order to create a more varied woodland structure dominated by Oak and other native trees. Sycamore, a non-native but highly invasive species, will be particularly favoured for removal. Access to the woodland will be improved by upgrading the path system and measures will be taken to prevent the damage currently being done to this by motorcyclists. This will partly be achieved through the construction of post and rail fencing around parts of the woodland boundary. Finally, the potential of the site as an educational and recreational resource will be developed through guided walks, events relating to the natural history and historic interest of the site, children's events and practical management tasks. Other nearby Heritage Woodlands are: We regret that no detailed information on Thorncliffe Wood is currently available on this website. This will become available in late 2002. See Get in Touch for details on how to obtain further information on this wood.   
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