Former Appraisal SSI Review 1991

 

This large woodland complex contains widespread and abundant mature Beech ( Fagus sylvatica ) with locally frequent Oak ( Quercus spp) anssBirch (Betula spp ) the latter two species showing some variable to good regeneration . Sycamore ( Acer pseudoplatanus) , Wych elm ( Ulmus glabra) and Ash ( Fraxinus excelsior) are entirely subordicate there is no identifiable shrub layer but Elder ( Sambuca nigra) occurs sporadically in more disturbed areas .

The field layer is typically moderately acidic Coal measures derived soils and contains much soft grass (Holcus mollis) with scattered to locally frequent Wavy Hair Grass ( Deschampsia flexuosa)n and heather ( Calluna vulgaris) with Bramble ( Rubus fruIticosus), Bracken ( Pteridium aquillinum) and Blue bell ( hyacinthoides non scripta ) are all scattered to locally frequent . The streamside flora is sparse , represented by scaterred populations of opposite leaved golden saxifrage , ( Chrysoplenum oppositifolium ) , Common Valerian ( Valeraina officinalis) , Great Woodrush ( Luzula sylvatica ) there is typically much bare ground beneathe the Beech

 

Reasons For Recommended Removal

These Council owned woodlands are an excellent public amenity and recreational resource . The Tree stock is however widely composed of mature Beech , showing littel regeneration , althogh Oak and Birch provide a locally frequent indigenous element which is showing spontaneous growth there is present council initiative to underplnt with transplant and whips to assist overall regeneration and this should continue > the Herb layer is typically species poor and there is much bare ground benath Beech The constant recreational use for Horse riding BMX Cycling is also resulting in locally seriuos erosion and exposure of tre roots

There are better and more ecologically significant and diverse examples of this mixed deciduous Coal Measures Woodland Type eleswher in West Yorkshireso that , on present evidence Royds Hall Great Wood Complex does not satisfy the criteria for SSI selection

 

Critique Of This Informmation CV Duke, 2005

There appears to be no quantitive data Species Number , ratios or area footprints for Trees per se . Whislt the basis for inclusion on a SSI is generally correct with proper ditection and mangement coupled with local initiative and environmental awareness there is a distinct case for management as a second tier nature conservation site ( Phase 2 LNR).

The overall Biodiversity has not been assessed in any depth or expert manner . There has been no major records of Tree planting provided to us and is conspicuosly absent from this site there also appear to be no Hedgegrow Mangement Programmes or Ecological Input into the suggested management of this site and therefore as such a distinct bias towards managing this site as a Public Amenity Woodland and a mindset excluding joint management of Public Amenity and Phase 2 LNR. Whilst a Beech Woodland , the large area footprint (of Mixed Woodland re Oak) lends to potentally rich biodiversitywith good indicators at peripheral field margins English Natures Appraisal of the site as a a semi natural Ancient Woodland might be more reflective of this diversity in regard to invertebrate populations particualraly associated with older oak ( Visa viz Nesting sites for Bird Populations)

The Proximity to a body of Freshwater Royds Hall Dam is under played in regard to the distinct pasture corridor ( NE13 ) running between Royds Hall Great Wood and Old Hanna Woods . ( see FP 129 Route ) Policy NE13 on the UDP Appraisal which appeared to overlook the existing BWA26 ( Bradford Wildlife Area Third Tier designated status ) with the Inspector commnenting that the site had " No ecological Significance"

Old hanna Wood in paricular suffers from persistant use predominately from Motor Cycles and not horses or Cycles . This has caused a marked reduction on Setion 8 Blubell Footprint and other vegetation . The large width of FP through Royds Hall great Wood is confines to the perpheral margin but it is agreed that the council could be more proactive in limitting path width . These problems are easily rectified with apropriate enforcement within current Byelaws which are not displayed at the 3 main Wodland entrances

Low Wood . Recent criticism has focussed on inapropraite drainage schemes in a woodland which predomiately drains itself and the quality , location and necessity of trenching in some cases bisecting root bases.

The council also has a poor track record in maintaining dry stone wall and hedgegrow lines as described in the Bat Sections. Royds Hall Beck Bisecting the Wood into Calderdale and Bradford has considerable potential which is not assisted by flash flows which in turn is not asited by run off discharge upstream . Royds Hall Beck is a SEGI ( site of Geological Interest ) which adds to the overall value of this woodland

The current public interface of Parks and Amenities does not adequately reflect community consultaion on this site .

 

Press Statement

" Judy Woods Heriatge Campaign is a substantiative Group which far out numbers 45 members of the Friends Of Judy Woods which is run by the Royds a group with vested partnership with the coucil in developements in close proximity to this woodland . The Heritage Group holds some 1800 signatories on file by local residents to have this woodland managed effectively as a Phase 2 site ie A Local Nature Reserve. The council appear to be minded to ignore the work of the Heritage group ( Winter Finch Feeding Programmes , Environmental Education, Litter Patrols etc ) who have contributed significantly to the well being of this woodland with no financial assistance or vested interest other than the will to protect it in marked contrasr to the FOJW . The council refused to place this website resource with others on the Parks and Amenities Site which proports to reflect community representation . It is the current belief of many that the council are deliberately colluding to attain grant monies to the exclsuion of other groups and not the well being and sustainability of this notable woodland resource . "

Copy To Bradford MDC for comment

Meeting 18th Decenber , DM, CD, EH, VG ,

 

General Information

 

The site is an complex of several contigupus named woods, comptised of Jagger ParkWoof, Old Hanna Wood and Low Wood and Rords Hal Great Woods itself. It occupies a fairlt steep side valley centred on Royds Hal Beckand aligned uin a roughly NE / SE orientation aprox ).5 Km from Norwood Green. The altitudinal range is from 450 ft to 750 ft ( 122- 220 m) > the substrate is coal measures which outcrops in various places