Description

Ryland’s Wood comprises a mixed woodland. Natural England records most of the woodland as “Ancient Replanted Woodland” – thus indicating that there has been woodland cover at this location since pre-1600 although the current trees are not all native.

The broadleaves include mature poplar (Planted (P)1958, c.5.43acres) adjacent to the River Lugg and halfway up the slope, generally >60cm Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and 20m+ in height) and beech (P1962, 1.72acres) largely in the southern to middle areas of the wood, albeit smaller in size in other areas. There are areas of ash (P1937, 2.22acres) within the central area of the woodland. One ash tree has majestic form, being straight to 15m and a DBH of >80cm. It is the finest ash tree that I have seen in many years. There are occasional small sycamore and sweet chestnut on the woodland edges. The conifers at the northern end of the wood comprise mature Douglas fir (P1962 and P1937, c.2.71acres and 1.72acres) with the occasional larch. The understorey comprises a mix of hazel with some box (an unusual species).

Tracks have been recently made within the wood, being of earth (grey clay soils) with occasional stone. Stone for the tracks has been taken from occasional rock exposures within the wood. The tracks are suitable for 4*4’s and, in places, forest machinery. Red dots can be seen on some trees – these were the original markers for the tracks. The tracks extend south from the footpath and then continue through and up the wood. This includes a flatter area which is an ideal location for informal camping and recreation. This area roughly corresponds with the “square” as shown by the detailed mapping. Existing access points extending from the lane have also been improved. The nearby bridge across the River Lugg was upgraded in 2022 and has a weight capacity of 44tonnes. Should it be required the bridge therefore provides scope for machinery access to/from the wood.

The free-flowing River Lugg can be seen through the riverside trees. The Lugg is a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), and part of its designation is due to its habitat for otters. Otters have been seen, albeit rarely, near the bridge. People have reported catching brown trout, grayling and salmon from the woods riverbank.

The wood has a wide range of ground flora, with wild garlic near to the river and the occasional orchid is seen within the profuse bluebells.