eccelsall woods management plan.pdf - University of Sheffield

study.
Realising the vision will be one of the Key aspirations for the management
plan over the next five years.
Seating
Woodland benches are present throughout the woodland having been increased
substantially since 2001, partly through donations for memorial benches
Car parking and highway crossings
Formal car parking is available on the western edge of Abbey Lane, within the
sawmill site and at Limb Lane picnic site. Abbey Lane is the most popular place for
visitors to park. Many visitors also park on Whirlowdale Road, dividing Woods 1
and 2, and to a lesser extent on Abbeydale Road South and Ryecroft Glen Road, to
access Wood 3. All the parking facilities are in good condition, except those at the
sawmill site that require an upgrade.
There is no specific parking provision for the disabled. However, the ease of
parking close to main access points is considered to meet the needs of all
members of the community.
Finally, with the woodland bisected by highways, road crossing by site users can be
an issue. A formalised crossing is present between Woods 1 and 2, and a proper
pedestrian crossing is present on Abbey Lane, a little below the woods, and can be
used to cross between Woods 2 and 3. However, its position is a little inconvenient,
and it is clear from the 2006 visitor survey that the crossing of Abbey Lane between
Woods 2 and 3 is a serious concern for users. Parks and Countryside takes these
concerns seriously, and will encourage Highway Services to address this issue as a
matter of priority
(iii) Perceptions of the site by the community
The five main things that attracted visitors to the woodland in the 2006 survey were:
• it’s a good place to walk the dog;
• it’s local / convenient;
• nature / wildlife;
• peace and quiet;
• and the woodland’s beauty
Almost all of those surveyed responded that they had used the signed paths and
trails within the woods and almost three quarters of these felt that the route marking
was good or very good. In addition to this over three quarters felt that the trail
surfacing was good or very good. Generally those interviewed were pleased with
the facilities and services however many felt that Abbey Lane was very dangerous
and required a crossing. There was also a strong demand for dog waste bins and
a reasonable demand for more benches and improvements to information boards
and signs. Other improvements suggested were continued path maintenance and
enforcement of the bridleway and footpath regulations.
Most of those surveyed were aware of work that had been carried out in the last
five years and many commented on path and tree maintenance, and to a lesser
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