eccelsall woods management plan.pdf - University of Sheffield

During the implementation of the preceding management plan there were
considerable additions to the network as a number of major desire lines, particularly
those for horse-riders, were recognised formally, surfaced and signposted. Overall,
this has helped to provide more circular routes and complete gaps in the network.
In addition, many routes have either been surfaced for the first time or re-surfaced
after many years, generally with recycled crushed brick, whilst all the signposting
within the woodland was renewed and extended as required in 2004.
Further minor improvements and continual maintenance are required, but the major
improvements proposed in the previous management plan have been delivered.
An “Easy Going Trail”, a route specially surfaced for those in wheelchairs was
completed through Wood 1 and 2 in 1999, as designated by the Public Rights of
Way Unit. The Sheffield Round Walk, established in the 1970’s, also crosses the
site running adjacent to the Limb Brook in Wood 3. The Round Walk was relaunched
in summer 2000 with new signage and an associated leaflet.
Problems with anti-social behaviour such as motor biking or fly-tipping are
extremely rare, but conflicts can occur occasionally when horse-riders or mountain
bikers stray of the bridleway network onto footpaths. Horse-riders and dogs can
also come into conflict.
Sawmill site
The sawmill site returned to City Council management in early 2006, after 12 years
under lease to a private business.
Apart from providing a setting for various wood-based businesses, this area now
provides the basic functions of a visitor information point through the associated
retail outlet/gallery, as well as an ideal location for hosting and/or starting
community events, activities and training, and delivering projects with schools and
other education work. A pedestrian link between the sawmill site and the woodland
was completed in 2006, and a disabled toilet installed. However, at present, use of
the toilet facilities is limited generally to the opening times of the retail outlet.
A feasibility study considering the future use of the site was completed in 2004
following in-depth consultation with key stakeholder groups, and can be viewed at:
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/trees-woodlands/ecclesall-woods
The agreed primary aims are:
• To provide small to medium scale visitor facilities, including an
information/orientation point and toilets
• To provide a dedicated staff/Ranger presence
• To provide a related programme of education, interpretation and training
• To provide purpose-built workshops for wood craft businesses, furniture makers,
etc
• To provide a retail outlet for both high and low quality sustainable wood products
Figure 1.11 provides an indicative vision for the site taken from the feasibility
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