INTRODUCTION
Management work at Wheata Wood, Prior Royd and Birkin Royd is undertaken by, or on behalf of, Sheffield City Council who own the site.

Generally, the aim of management work in the woodlands is to achieve a balance between recreational use and the protection of the site's wildlife, landscape and archaeological interest. However the focus of management differs somewhat between the three woodlands. In Wheata Wood, priority is given to the requirements of the public whereas in Birkin Royd, disturbance of any kind is discouraged. In Prior Royd, the main focus is on the enhancement of habitat diversity.

 

Part of Wheata Wood thinned during the first year of the 'Fuelling a Revolution' programme. Since this photo was taken, the vegetation in this area has already regrown vigorously.

TREES AND WOODLANDS
The main aim of woodland management in the three woodlands is to retain their 'wild' character and landscape value and to enhance their value as wildlife habitats and areas for recreation.

Native trees and shrubs typical of ancient semi-natural woodlands, such as Sessile Oak, Birch, Rowan and Alder are being encouraged, using natural regeneration whenever possible. In selected areas, thinning and felling of small groups of trees is being carried out in order to encourage the development of a more varied woodland structure. This work will also have the effect of extending the lifespan and improving the development of selected trees and also of encouraging the development of the shrub layer and ground flora.

Although Holly is a native species, highly characteristic of the site, it may be necessary to control this in some areas in order to improve safety for those using the area and to prevent the invasion of areas of diverse ground flora.

Considerable areas, particularly in Wheata Wood, are currently dominated by non-native species, such as Beech, Sycamore and conifers. The frequency of these species will be reduced, especially where the ground flora and native tree species such as Alder are threatened. Not all non-native trees will be removed however. Fine old Beech trees will be retained and the Woodhead Road Beech avenue, an important landscape feature, will be completed.

In some areas of woodland, management intervention will be minimal, either in order to protect species intolerant of disturbance or because management is not likely to be beneficial.

Where possible, income will be created from the sale of produce from woodland management operations. However, this will always be done in a sustainable way and will be secondary to the interests of wildlife, archaeology, access and recreation.

NON-WOODED AREAS
Some of the, once much more widespread, open areas dominated by Heather and Bracken will be restored, particularly in upper parts of Prior Royd and in adjoining areas of Wheata Wood.

Where necessary, wetland habitats, including the streamsides in Birkin Royd will be enhanced. As part of this, eradication of small areas of invasive non-native species, such as Japanese Knotweed, may be required.

BIODIVERSITY
A primary aim of all management work within the woods will be to maintain and enhance habitat diversity and to increase populations of scarce and diminishing plant and animal species. Some dead trees or parts of trees left as a result of woodland management work will continue to be left standing, with other dead wood being left on the woodland floor to benefit fungi, invertebrates, hole nesting birds and bats.

In order to continue and enhance their value for wildlife, the three woodlands have recently been designated as a Local Nature Reserve.

HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Because of its Romano-British remains, much of Wheata Wood has been designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. A detailed archaeological survey of all three woods has already taken place as part of the Fuelling a Revolution programme and features of archaeological and historical interest, including the Romano-British settlement and the woodland boundaries are now being protected.

ACCESS AND RECREATION
The use and enjoyment of the woodlands by the public through appropriate recreational pursuits will be encouraged, particularly in Wheata Wood. To achieve this, selected access points and paths will be improved and maintained. A particular focus of this access work will be to, where practical, provide access for less able-bodied people, including wheelchair users.

In contrast to the above, the character of some of the more remote and inaccessible areas such as Birkin Royd and adjacent parts of Prior Royd will be maintained by discouraging access, especially for orienteering and horse riding.

The local community and users of the site will continue to be consulted about its management and actively encouraged to take a part in its care. In order to raise awareness of the history and natural history, recreational opportunities and management of the site, an extensive programme of educational and interpretative events is being run as part of the Fuelling a Revolution programme, particularly in Wheata Wood.

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