Dean Wood

Dean Wood is an impressive site. This deep, narrow, wooded clough is typical of those found on the West Pennine Moors. The lack of undisturbed wooded valleys in the local area and the relatively unspoilt nature of Dean Wood means it is a special haven for wildlife. From the public footpath, you can see that most of the reserve is woodland made up of sessile oak with ash, beech, birch, rowan and sycamore. There is also a small stand of Scots pine. Shrub species such as hazel, holly, elder, alder, hawthorn, honeysuckle, grey willow, blackberry. dog-rose and raspberry occur on this reserve. The mosses and liverworts characteristic of woodland grow on rocks, bark and soil giving the site a unique appearance especially in winter. In addition, Dean Wood has an unusually rich variety of flora for the West Pennines area perhaps because it has experienced relatively little disturbance for many decades.69 species of bird have been recorded on site many of which are known to breed in the wood. Careful management work and the quiet nature of the reserve have encouraged the development of a range of species associated with western oak woodland. This range is extended by the hedge and developing woodland at the eastern end of the reserve.