A number of small streams run through the lower parts of the wood

LANDSCAPE
Woolley Wood is situated along the south-western side of the valley of the Blackburn Brook, which flows in a south-easterly direction to join the River Don, near Meadowhall.

The altitude of the site rises from approximately 40 metres above sea level in the valley, to a high point of 110 metres on the wood's western boundary. Across much of the site, the land slopes gently to the east or north-east. However, the land is much steeper in the upper parts of the wood's central section where a landslip, probably dating from just after the end of the last Ice Age, has resulted in a small cliff with undulating land below. Such landslips are fairly common in rocks of this age, particularly in north Sheffield. In addition, near the northern end of the site, there is a steep sided valley known as 'The Ravine'.

The only two major streams in Woolley Wood are located in 'The Ravine' and on the southern edge of the wood. There are also several smaller streams, which rise from springs within the wood and run for a short distance before disappearing below ground. The intermittent nature of these streams is a result of the underlying geology; the springs occurring where ground water meets an impervious layer of rock and the streams disappearing below ground again where more permeable rock is found. Not only are these streams intermittent in their course but they also tend to dry up in dry seasons.

In addition to these streams, there are several marshy areas throughout the wood. Documentary and other evidence suggests that Woolley Wood, particularly in its lower parts, was once a much wetter habitat than it is today.

SOILS
The soils underlying the wood vary somewhat in depth, stoniness and moisture content depending on their location and the underlying geology.

The soils on the most steeply sloping sites are shallow and freely drained and as a result have become acidic and low in fertility. Those at the foot of these slopes are deeper, less acidic and higher in fertility as a result of mineral salts washed down from above. The soils are further enriched along at least some of the stream courses where small amounts of alluvial deposits have built up.

VIEWPOINTS
The best viewpoints are at the top edge of wood. In the east can be seen the Heritage Woodlands of Grange Park on the edge of Rotherham. To the south can be seen some of the Don Valley area including the tops of the old cooling towers near Meadowhall. These and other industrial features can also be seen from the edge of the wood adjacent to Low Wincobank Recreation Ground.