Bradford's Lost Ancient Woodland Project
Heritage Lottery Funded
After surveying around fifteen small woodlands in the district we believe we have identified at least five previously unrecorded "Ancient Woodlands". These are Swartha Wood near Silsden, Lumb Wood near Oakworth, Bull Copy Wood near Nab Wood, Gingerbread Clough near Keighley and Birky Bank Wood near St.Ives.
Ancient Woodlands (dating from at least the 16th century) are the UK's richest habitat supporting a whole range of flowering plants, fungi, insects, birds and mammals. The owners of Swartha Wood have implemented a series of practical management techniques to preserve and enhance the value of this rare resource.
These include: