Site Name: Crookilley Woods Grid reference : SJ914914 Area: Werneth Ward: Bredbury and Woodley Ownership: SMBC Size : 4.5ha

1.0) Vision Statement 1.1) Vision Statement Semi-natural broad leaved woodland covers the entire site, and the species present are native to Stockport, including oak, hazel and birch. There is a mixed age of trees present including, saplings, semi mature and mature trees. In areas where gaps have opened there is good natural regeneration of native species. There is a good presence of fallen and standing deadwood which provides food and habitat for different fungi, insects and birds. Nuthatches, treecreepers and great spotted woodpeckers may be seen within the woodland as a result of the resources provided by the deadwood. The ground flora consists of typical woodland species, including those which are Ancient Woodland indicators and species such as bluebell, wild garlic and lesser celandine carpet the woodland floor with colour in spring and summer. The wet flush areas of the site are not overgrown with scrub and support a diverse range of species. The vegetation is not dominated by invasive species such as rhododendron, Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed. The stream within the site is running freely and provides an interesting habitat in contrast with the woodland.

2.0) Policy Statements 2.1) Stockport Corporate Priorities The Stockport Council Plan identifies four priorities which will outline the strategic direction for the Council and provide a framework for the delivery of the Councils key priorities and outcomes. These priorities are:

A Thriving Stockport - Achieved by Stockport’s Parks, Sport and Cemeteries by providing an attractive environment which encourages neighbourhood renewal, business investment and tourism activity. A Safer, Stronger Stockport – Achieved by positively tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. A Healthy Stockport - Achieved by promoting accessible opportunities for leisure and recreational services with our parks and greenspaces. A Greener Stockport – Achieved through protection and sympathetic management of historical and heritage features within parks, and through habitat management and enhancement, to encourage and improve the biodiversity of our parks and greenspaces.

2.2) Countryside Section The Countryside Section within Stockport Council works to manage countryside sites for the benefit of visitors and wildlife. The Nature Development Officer within this team works to ensure that biodiversity within the borough is enhanced through a variety of measures which include working with local communities, government agencies and land owners to implement schemes to protect the natural environment. This is achieved through the following activities:

• Researching and promoting best practice management of land and water to benefit wildlife habitats.

1 • Encouraging and supporting the development, implementation and monitoring of projects that protect and enhance the wildlife and habitats in the borough. • Maintaining and enhancing a network of special sites including Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) and Sites of Biological Importance (SBI). • Working closely with Council services and outside agencies to secure additional funding for Stockport’s greenspaces. • Providing technical advice on nature conservation matters relating to planning applications and land use plans.

Stockport Council has also achieved the Natural England target of 1ha of LNR per 1000 population but continues to work to designate sites to recognise sites which are important for wildlife and also valuable for local people.

3.0) General Description 3.1.1) Location and Site Boundaries Crookilley Woods is located within the Werneth Area Committee area of Stockport. To the north of the Local Nature Reserve boundary is a disused railway, which is not included in the LNR boundary as it not within the ownership of SMBC. This area is however included in the Site of Biological Importance and does contain good wildlife habitat and is used for informal access. To the south of the proposed Local Nature Reserve Boundary is largely residential housing and to the east is Ashton Road and across the road from this there is a retail area. To the west of the site is an area of woodland which is not within the SBI or owned Council owned

3.1.2) Tenure SMBC own and manage Crookilley Woods.

3.1.3) Management Structure Management of the site lies within the Countryside Section. Within this section the Senior Ranger, who is supported by one Ranger, has responsibility for the day to day management of the site.

3.1.4) Map Coverage The following maps provide coverage of the Local Nature Reserve: • Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 277 1:25000 • Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 109 1:50000

3.1.5) Photographic Coverage 3.1.5a) Aerial Photographs Aerial photographs of the site are available from 2009, 2006 and 2000. The aerial photograph from 2009 is available in appendix 1.

3.1.5b) Ground Photographs Various ground photographs are in the possession of the Nature Development Officer, Senior Ranger and The Residents Association for the site.

3.2 Compartments

3.2.1 Compartment Descriptions (see appendix 1 for compartment locations) Compartment 1

2 Compartment 1 extends from the A560 westwards to the area where the stream emerges from the culvert. It consists of a steep slope on the northern side, up to the dismantled railway (which is not within the Local Nature Reserve boundary), a wet valley floor and a gentler slope on the southern side of the compartment which extends to the back of the houses on The Crescent. There is limited public access in this compartment given the steep slopes and wet nature of the ground. The valley slopes in this compartment are dominated by sycamore and beech with regeneration of these species. Tree species also include common lime, wild cherry, and oak, with holly, hazel, hawthorn and elder present in the understorey. Invasive species present include rhododendron, cherry laurel and snowberry. The ground flora on the slopes includes bluebells, lesser celandine, male fern, broad buckler fern and ivy which is dominant close to the road. On the wetter valley floor there is a diverse ground flora with great and wood horsetail, various sedge species, wood anemone, lesser celandine and yellow archangel. The tree species include alder, ash and hazel.

Compartment 2 This compartment is in the central section of the site, to the south of the stream, between The Crescent and Valley Road. There is a path along the valley allowing access from both of these roads. This path was recently resurfaced (2008) and access improved under a Greening Greater Manchester project through the residents group and the GreenSpace Forum. The tree species dominating the area around the footpath include beech and sycamore with some oak, ash and rowan. There is a some garden privet which has invaded. There is regeneration of beech, ash and sycamore and the understorey include elder and hawthorn. Ground flora is sparse with some areas bare due to the dense canopy and in some areas around the access points. Away from the footpath, down the slope the ground flora is richer and includes bluebell, wood anemone, lesser celandine and several fern species. Japanese knotweed is also present along the boundary with the houses on The Cresent.

Compartment 3 This compartment encompasses the south western of the woodland to the south of the stream, and given the steep nature of the site and slippages of the soil access is very restricted. In areas the slopes are bare, and where there is ground flora it is occasional and includes rough meadow grass, ferns and bluebell. Areas close to the Valley Road entrance are dominated by beech and sycamore with common lime and ash, with regenerating beech, hawthorn and holly. Further west the area is more open with ash and oak dominating and an

Compartment 4 The compartment is on the northern side of the stream. There is a narrow, unsurfaced footpath along the top of the valley. The canopy in this area is dominated by oak and birch, with some rowan. The understorey consists of hazel, hawthorn and rowan with hazel and hawthorn regenerating. The ground flora consists of creeping soft grass, wavy hair grass and bluebell with wood anemone, lesser celandine, yellow archangel and other woodland plants and ferns present.

3.3 Environmental Information 3.3.1 Biological Information The site at Crookilley Woods is semi-natural ancient woodland, as identified on the Nature Conservancy Council’s Inventory of Ancient Woodland for Greater Manchester and Merseyside (1988), which suggests the area has been continually wooded since at least 1600AD. This is supported by the presence of a rich ground flora which includes

3 ancient woodland indicators. Ground flora present on the site includes bluebells, wood anemone, lesser celandine and wood sorrel. The tree canopy is largely composed of sycamore and oak, with ash, birch, lime and beech trees present in different areas of the site. The understorey species include hazel, hawthorn, holly and elder. The site supports a range of woodland birds with records of nuthatch, tawny owl and great spotted woodland, and UK Biodiversity Action Plan species such as spotted flycatcher, dunnock and song thrush have also been recorded. Badgers also utilise the site and surrounding area. In 2005 a mollusc survey of the area was undertaken by Penny Anderson, with two uncommon species recorded in the wet flushes in the woodland to the east of the site. These species are Leiostyla anglica and Vertigo substriata and are both found in marshy habitats. L. anglica and is associated with wet woodlands, where as V. substriata is found in a variety of habitats varying from very wet marsh habitat to smaller areas supporting only a few small clumps of rushes.

3.4 Cultural 3.4.1 Past Land Use The site is semi natural ancient woodland

3.4.2 Present Land Use The site is currently included as one of the Countryside Sites within SMBC and managed by the Countryside Section. It is currently managed for wildlife and for public access.

3.4.3 Past Status of the Site The site was designated as a Site of Biological Importance of district importance (Grade A), and was first surveyed for SBI selection in 1981.

3.4.4 Present Status of the Site The site is currently designated as a Site of Biological Importance of district importance (Grade A) and was last assessed in 2007. The most recent SBI report is included in appendix 3 of this management plan.

3.5 People 3.5.1 Local Communities and Stakeholders The local community are actively involved in the site. There is an active residents association who are very interested in the designation of the site as a Local Nature Reserve, and have been involved in winning funding to improve the footpaths on the site and providing bat boxes for the woodland.

3.5.2 Access and Tourism There is footpath access across some of the site, but there is limited access to some areas of the site, given the steep nature of the site. There is no formal tourism on the site, although it is used by local people for walking and bird watching.

3.5.3 Interpretation Provisions The site currently has a notice board at the Valley Road entrance to the site, although currently has no other interpretation material.

3.5.4 Educational Use The site currently does not have any formal education uses.

4.0 Nature Conservation Features

4 4.1.1 List of Conservation Features Broad leaved woodland

4.2 Biodiversity Objectives 4.2.2 Broadleaved Woodland Semi-Natural Woodland – Current status The woodland covers the entire site and is largely dominated by broadleaf species including beech, sycamore with oak and ash. Rhododendron is present in areas in the understorey as is cheery laurel and garden privet and there are small invasions of Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam near the stream and close to the houses.

Semi-Natural Woodland - Objective The species present in the woodland are native to Stockport, including oak, hazel and birch. There is a mixed age of trees present including, saplings, semi mature and mature trees. In areas where gaps have opened there is good natural regeneration of native species. There is a good presence of fallen and standing deadwood. A wide range of habitats and resources are available for insects, mammals and birds. The ground flora consists of typical woodland species, including those which are Ancient Woodland Indicators, and is not dominated by invasive species such as rhododendron, Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed. The ditches within the site are running freely and are not obstructed or blocked by any debris.

Semi-Natural Woodland – Factors, Attributes and Limits Factors affecting this woodland are mainly related to invasive species. The attributes of these factors and others relating to the woodland, along with the upper and lower limits are outlined below: Extent of woodland Upper Limit – None Lower Limit – Current Size (4.5) Canopy Cover Upper Limit – 90% Cover Lower Limit – 70% Cover Canopy Species Upper Limit – Locally native species Lower Limit – 90% locally native species Understorey Species Upper limit - Locally native species Lower limit – 90% locally native species Ground Flora Species Upper limit – Locally native woodland species, including AWI species. Lower limit – At least 8 species from table AWI and typical woodland species (table 2). Native regeneration Upper limit – all locally native species regeneration Lower limit – 90% locally native species regeneration Natural regeneration of native trees Upper limit – not required Lower limit – on average 2 viable native saplings per 0.01ha across the site Dead Wood Upper limit – not required Lower limit – on average 3 standing and 3 lying pieces of deadwood per hectare across the site.

5 Table 2. Woodland Vascular Plant Species Ancient Woodland Indicators Woodland Species Wood anemone Fox glove Bluebell Wood avens Primrose Red campion Common dog violet Enchanters nightshade Yellow pimpernel Yellow archangle Wild garlic Dogs mercury Wood sorrel Opposite leaved golden saxifrage

4.3 Management Projects 4.3.1 Rationale The management projects suggested for Crookilley Woods aim to maintain and enhance the value of the woodland for biodiversity and also to ensure that the site is welcoming and safe for visitors. All the methodologies are based on current best practice from a variety of sources including, ConservationEvidence.com, The Centre for Evidence Based Conservation, the Environment Agency and more. Where possible all methods are referenced to the relevant research and the location that this research can be found within the Council network.

Management Projects Each management project focuses on a specific topic. The background information about each project and past management practices is discussed and a methodology based on this has been written. The compartments where the work should be carried out and who is responsible for the work, are also included.

Whenever any management work is carried out, the relevant management plan on covalent should be updated. This will allow an assessment of any outstanding work to be made and resources allocated appropriately, and also allow reporting on indicators relating to Local Nature Reserves.

Woodland Management Management Project: Eradication and Control of Rhododendron and Cherry Laurel Purpose : To eradicate rhododendron from the woodland understorey. General Background : Rhododendron is a non-native species which was introduced into the grounds of stately homes due to its attractive flowers and to provide cover for game birds such as pheasant. It produces vast amounts of seeds which are dispersed by wind over long distances. Once established they grow and smother out most other vegetation. This means that native woodland species cannot become established and appropriate management must be carried out to prevent the spread and domination of this species. This should increase the diversity and regeneration of native species. Several studies have examined or attempted to quantify the most effective methods of controlling rhododendron in a variety of habitats. Due to the large variation in these studies with regards to treatments, controls and habitats, it is very difficult to establish an overall method which is best to control rhododendron. Tyler and Pullin (2005) identify cutting followed by treating the stumps with glyphosate as having significant effect, but do highlight that these results may be biased by factors such as the habitats which the results were gathered from. The forest research papers also identify seemingly effective control

6 using this technique, so the methodology in this section is based on the accumulation of these papers. Methodology : Mature rhododendron plants, which are at a seed bearing age, should be removed at the base by manual methods (chainsaw, bow saw, loppers). The material removed should be disposed of preferably off site, chipped, or if no alternatives are available, should be cut up and piled on site. Cutting of mature rhododendron should be carried out in winter months. Within a week of removal, the stumps should be treated with glyphosate (20%) solution on a dry day. The following spring the re-growth from the stumps and any growth from root suckers should be monitored. Small seedlings should be pulled up by hand or cut using loppers and removed from site, and any foliage growing from the stumps should be treated with glyphosate (5%). This monitoring and appropriate treatment should be carried out on an annual basis. When : As identified in the methodology until all mature rhododendron and cherry laurel has been removed, at which point monitoring of re-growth of the stumps should continue. Where : Compartment 1 Who : SMBC staff, Volunteers, Contractors (dependent of funding), licensed herbicide user for stump treatment Priority : 1

Management Project: Himalayan Balsam Purpose : To control and eradicate Himalayan balsam within the site. General Background : Himalayan balsam is an invasive annual plant. It spreads by producing a mass of seeds which are spread very easily by wind dispersal or disturbance of the plant. It is capable of out competing many native species and often dominates an area. Dense stands of balsam can form which suppress the growth of native grasses and plants, resulting in bare areas in the autumn and winter which leave the soil more vulnerable to erosion. Several guidance notices have been produced by various organisations (Environment Agency, Natural Environment Research Council) which advise on hand pulling, cutting or spraying with herbicide as effective methods of control. Methodology : Treatment of Himalayan balsam should be undertaken by hand pulling the plants, or cutting/strimming below the lowest node on the stem. This should be done before the plant flowers (June) as any management which takes place once seed pods have developed will only serve to increase the distribution of the seeds. Once removed the stems can either be composted or bagged up and disposed of. As Himalayan balsam is an annual plant, and the seed bank does not seem to persist in the soil for a long period of time, it is possible to eradicate this weed within a couple of years, assuming there is no infestation from surrounding areas. The following spring/summer the site should be monitoring and any growth treated appropriately. When : On a continuous basis at the times of year stated in the text. Where : Compartment 3 Who : Volunteers, Friends of, Task days, SMBC staff (although access is difficult) Priority : 1

Management Project: Japanese Knotweed

Purpose : To control and eradicate Japanese knotweed on the site. General Background : Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant which is a member of the bamboo family. It was originally planted in ornamental gardens and has since spread throughout the UK. It can grow in all environments and spreads through an extensive rhizome (root) system which can even grow through concrete. It produces seeds which are effectively sterile in this country as only female plants are present in the UK. It

7 spreads vigorously and dominates areas of vegetation, shadowing out native species resulting in species poor areas with little value to biodiversity. There have been many different methodologies proposed to manage Japanese knotweed on site. A review study by Kabat et al (2006) identified that treatment of Japanese knotweed with herbicides, applied by spraying or injection resulted in effective reduction of growth in the short term, but identified a lack of long term, robust, controlled experiments, so the assessment of long term effects is not possible. Based on this review and studies by Ford (2004a,b) herbicide spraying or stem injection is recommended. Methodology : Treatment of Japanese knotweed should be carried out using glyphosate. Individual stems can be injected with 100% glyphosate whilst they are still growing (summer) and the stems need to be thick. Dye can be mixed in with the herbicide to allow the identification of stems which are treated to avoid missing stems or double treatment of the same stems. If injection is not an option, plants can be sprayed with glyphosate (5% solution is recommended). The herbicide is absorbed by the leaves and transferred to the rhizome network of the plants, so treatment should be carried out when the leaves are large, to increase the area for absorption. After treatment, the areas of knotweed treated should be recorded (on a map if appropriate). The following spring/summer any regrowth of knotweed should be recorded and treated appropriately and any actions recorded. The treated areas should be monitored on an annual basis. When : An on going project of control and monitoring as stated in the methodology. Where : Compartment 2, 3 Who : Licensed herbicide worker Priority : 1

Management Project - Non-Native Regeneration

Purpose : to reduce or remove regeneration of tree species not native to Stockport. General Background : None native trees such as sycamore and beech can become very dominant in areas of woodland and their vigorous regeneration can prevent seedlings of native trees such as oak from becoming established. The removal of these species at a young age should allow a more open understorey to develop and allow more light to penetrate through the canopy allowing more plants to survive beneath them. Methodology : Species which are not native to Stockport include beech, sycamore and horse chestnut. Small saplings of these species can be removed by cutting with loppers, or with a bowsaw for larger specimens. The saplings can then be stacked to make habitat piles or disposed of off site. This work can be carried out during anytime of the year, although winter is preferred as trees are dormant at this time of year. In the spring following the work, and then on an annual basis, an inspection of the site for any re- growth of non-native species is recommended. These should then be removed as appropriate. When : Continual project Where : Compartments 1, 2, 4 Who : Volunteers, Friends of group, Task days Priority : 1

Management Project: Removal of Non-Native Mature Trees

Purpose: To remove non-native mature trees and open up the canopy layer. Background: There can be many issues with non-native mature trees within woodlands as they can form dense canopies which prevent light from reaching the woodland floor which can limit plant growth beneath. Beech (not native to the north west of the UK) especially can create a very dense, closed canopy which prevents most other species from

8 becoming established beneath them. Generally non-native trees have less associated species than native trees, for example oak has 284 associated insects while beech has 64 and sycamore 15 *. However the presence of none native tree species within a woodland can provide some resources for biodiversity. The seeds produced can provide a reliable food supply for range of woodland species and the bark of sycamore is also very similar to that of elm and it can host to a wide range of lichen (183 associated lichen species, where as elm has 187 *). Species such as beech are also vulnerable to disease and can therefore provide good areas of standing dead wood which provides habitats for a variety of birds, insects and fungi, although public safety should always be taken into account when considering dead trees. Methodology: For the resources to be available for felling of mature trees, it is likely that a funding application has been made. It is important that only a proportion of the non- native trees are removed from an area at any one time, especially when these species are the ones that dominate the canopy. Trees should be selected for felling in consultation with the Woodland Tree Officer and the Nature Development Team. Once selected the trees should be felled by a licensed arborist either from within the Council or from a reputable tree contractor which specialises in ecological work. Information should be made available to the public as to why, when and where the work will be taking place so as to reduce the number of complaints/enquiries. Once felled the timber can be put to a variety of uses including footpath edging, seating, bird feeders, and habitat piles or arranged as lying deadwood on the woodland floor. The removal of mature trees will create gaps in the canopy. These should be cleared of any invasive species and monitored on an annual basis to assess the establishment of understorey vegetation and regeneration of any tree species. When – no felling should take place in the bird breeding season. Where – compartment 1, 2, Who – licensed arborist in liaison with the Woodland and the Nature Development Officer. Priority – 3 unless funding is available or trees are unsafe.

* Figures for these data are taken from a variety of sources including the Forestry Commission and BTCV. Original sources are quoted as: for insects Southwood (1961) and for lichens Rose and Harding (1978). For full details please see reference list.

Management Project: Snowberry and Garden Privet

Purpose : To control and eradicate snowberry and garden privet. General Background : Snowberry and privet often escape into woodlands from gardens. They reproduce through seed dispersal and also through suckering. Both species are capable of out competing many native species and often dominate an area. Dense stands can form and suppress the growth of native grasses and plants, resulting in bare areas in the autumn and winter which leave the soil more vulnerable to erosion. Methodology : Snowberry and garden privet can be treated in several different ways, although it can take several years to completely eradicate these species from a site due to their ability to spread. Continual cutting of the stems in the winter period (either by hand using loppers/scythe or mechanical with a brash cutter) can weaken the vigour of the regrowth over several years. Alternatively these plants can be dug up at the roosts during the winter and removed from the site, to prevent them from re-establishing in the cleared areas. When : as appropriate as described in the methodology Where : compartment 1, 2

9 Who : SMBC staff, volunteers Priority : 1

Management Project: Bats Purpose : To manage the site to enhance the suitability for bats and to continue to survey the area to establish the bat species using the site. General Background : In addition to the woodland management which should provide habitat enhancements for bats, bat boxes have been put up on trees around the site. These should be checked annually in conjunction with a licensed bat worked, and where possible bat surveys undertaken with support from the Senior Ranger to establish the species of bats utlising the woodland.

Management Project: Stream Management A culverted stream emerges into the woodland at the western side of compartment 1 and this stream divides compartment 2 and 4. The stream should be kept clear of debris and any blockages removed as required.

5.0 Access, Tourism and Interpretation To ensure that the site provides for the requirements of the park users, management projects have been devised to address factors such as footpath maintenance and amenity grassland management.

Management Project: To maintain access and interpretation to the site in good order. Purpose: To maintain footpaths in good order. General Background: Five key objectives have been identified to achieve the vision of making Stockport’s Parks and Open Spaces accessible, barrier free environments. These include improving access to public buildings within parks and open spaces; improving access to the outdoor environment and facilities of parks and open spaces; improving access to outdoor play space within Stockport’s playgrounds; improving information, signage and marketing and improving communication with disabled people and promoting staff awareness and development of disability issues.

Methodology: The footpaths in the woodland should remain in good order, free from encroachment of vegetation. Overhanging vegetation should be cut back manually using loppers or bow saws, branches should be cut back to the join of the main stem to reduce the risk of diseases. This should be carried out in winter when trees and shrubs are in the dormant phase. Vegetation growth on the paths should be kept to a minimum and should be scraped off manually wherever possible, if there is no alternative it can be spayed off using glyphosate (5%) solution using a knapsack sprayer. This treatment should be carried out on a dry day to avoid chemical leaching, spaying is most effective when plants are treated during the growing season (April – October). If a small area of footpath is very muddy it should be repaired, for example by removing the mud down to the original footpath level. Where the footpath follows a steep banking safety rails should be in place, which should be checked and maintained as required on a regular basis. Visual checks of the information panel board in the woodland should be carried out monthly and missing or vandalized signs reported and replaced/repaired. Event and volunteer information should be kept up to date on the notice board at the Valley Road entrance When : As identified in the methodology Where : 2, 4 Who : SMBC staff. Priority : 1

10

Management Project: Improve access to the northern section of the site Purpose : To improve access to the northern provide a circular walking route around the site General Background : Due to the steep nature of the woodland valley, some areas have restricted access. The steps in the northern section of the site are in need of improvement, as are some of the footpaths, which are currently desire lines. There is currently no circular route on the northern section of the site, which could be rectified by clearing some patches of bramble to provide an additional walking route. This will allow visitors to complete a walk around this section without walking back on themselves. Methodology : Identify the costings to make the improvements to the access in compartment 4 as outlined above, and work with the residents group and the GreenSpace Forum to develop a funding application for this work. Any footpath work should be approved by the Woodland Officer and Nature Development Officer. When : Begin process once LNR designation has been approved Where : Compartment 4 Who : Senior Ranger and Nature Development Office in conjunction with community groups. Priority : 2

Management Project: Litter Removal and Vandalism Repair Purpose: To keep the woodland free from litter and vandalism. General Background: Litter in a public place is unsightly, dangerous and an offence. Vandalism is an illegal, anti-social activity that creates a negative impression of the area. Methodology : Litter is to be removed manually using a litter picker and suitable rigger gloves. Litter in the park should be picked and inspected on a minimum weekly basis. Litter and detritus should be removed before it has the chance to accumulate. All litter and fly tipping should be taken to the appropriate waste management site. Graffiti should be removed as soon as is practically possible, particularly if it has offensive or abusive content. Incidents of vandalism should also be dealt with as soon as possible and standards of cleanliness and incidents of vandalism should be monitored and reported. When : Monthly Where : All compartments Who : SMBC staff. Priority : 1

11 Appendix 1 – Site location and compartments

1

4 2

3

12 Appendix 2. SBI report for Crookilley Woods

SITES OF BIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE IN GREATER MANCHESTER Greater Manchester Ecology Unit Ryecroft Hall, Manchester Road, Audenshaw, Manchester M34 5ZJ ( Private & Confidential )

Site Name : Crookilley Wood District : Stockport

Location : Bredbury Grid Ref : SJ916916 Grade : A

SITE LOCATION MAP (1:10000) ©Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Greater Manchester Research Licence No 100037229, 2007

91

92 91

13

SITES OF BIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE IN GREATER MANCHESTER Greater Manchester Ecology Unit Ryecroft Hall, Manchester Road, Audenshaw, Manchester M34 5ZJ (Private & Confidential )

Site Name : Crookilley Wood District : Stockport

Location : Bredbury Grid Ref : SJ916916 Grade : A

SITE DESCRIPTION

A mature clough woodland that has been identified as ancient in the Ancient Woodland Inventory (NCC 1988). Such woodland is a UK Biodiversity Priority Habitat.

The canopy is dominated by pedunculate oak with sycamore, silver birch, ash and wild cherry. Beech is locally abundant along the northern edge of the site with occasional lime. Fallen deadwood is present. There is a good understorey consisting of hawthorn, rowan, hazel, elder and holly with guelder rose occurring locally. Regenerating ash, oak, beech, sycamore and holly is also occurring. The invasive rhododendron is present. There is a diverse and interesting ground flora, ranging from dry acidic banks characterised by wavy hair-grass, creeping soft-grass and wood sage, to areas dominated by bluebell with locally abundant lesser celandine. Wood anemone, wood avens, bramble, herb Robert, yellow pimpernel, wood melick, honeysuckle, dog’s mercury and wood false brome also occur. Yellow archangel, lords & ladies and town hall clock are also recorded.

The valley bottom supports alder, ash, crack and goat willow. The ground flora in this area and other flushed areas includes tufted hair-grass, lesser celandine, germander speedwell, wood sedge, broad buckler fern, remote sedge, opposite-leaved golden saxifrage, meadowsweet, giant horsetail, bistort and butterbur.

The woodland along the dismantled railway line is younger and the ground flora is less rich. There is also an area of younger woodland near Crookilley Way in the north of the site. Species in these areas includes silver birch and oak with regenerating ash and holly. The ground flora includes creeping soft-grass, bramble and the mosses Brachythecium rutabulum and Thuidum tamariscinum .

Birds observed include blue tit, nuthatch, great tit, blackbird and robin. Willow warbler, blackcap, long tailed-tit, wren, great tit, blue tit, dunnock (UK Biodiversity Priority Species), chaffinch, jay and mistle thrush have also been recorded as probable breeders at the site. Whitethroat, chiffchaff, greenfinch, treecreeper and great spotted woodpecker are also recorded together with the UK Biodiversity Priority Species song thrush and spotted flycatcher.

The site is good for invertebrates with twenty-nine species of land molluscs recorded including Leiostyla anglica , Vertigo substriata , Columella edentula , Acnathinula aculeate and Arianta arbustorum . The former is only recorded from two other sites in Greater Manchester. In addition forty species of terrestrial invertebrates have been recorded including the nationally notable hoverfly Orthonevra brevicornis and the nationally local Sphegina clunipes . Four common bee species were also found including common clader bee and buff-tailed bee with speckled wood butterfly also recorded.

Grey squirrels and other large mammals use the site.

A part of the woodland was lost during the construction of the M60. More recently there appear to have been numerous garden extensions into the woodland. Additional information from Penny Anderson Associates for the SEMMMS project. The habitat figures given are an approximation and are only intended to give an indication of the relative proportions of each habitat.

14 SITES OF BIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE IN GREATER MANCHESTER Greater Manchester Ecology Unit Ryecroft Hall, Manchester Road, Audenshaw, Manchester M34 5ZJ (Private & Confidential ) SITE N AME : Crookilley Wood DISTRICT : Stockport

LOCATION : Bredbury GRID R EF : SJ916916

GRADE : A AREA (HA ) : 6.4 ALTITUDE (M) : 50-84 DATE : 27.3.07

STATUS : AW, BAP SURVEYOR : S Waymont INITIAL S URVEY D ATE : 10.81

NO OF R EVISIONS : 5 OWNER : Mixed DISTRICT R EF : J21

HABITATS PRESENT Area (ha) FEATURES OF INTEREST Importance Woodland broadleaved (semi-nat) 6.1 Vegetation type 3 Woodland plantation Ferns Scrub 0.2 Bryophytes 1 Acid grassland 0.01 Fungi Neutral/basic grass (species-rich) Mammals 3 Neutral/basic grass (species-poor) Birds 2 Tall herbaceous Amphibia Ericaceous heath Reptiles Bog Lepidoptera 1 Marsh/fen Odonata Reedbed Other invertebrates 2 Lake/pond/dam Geological Canal Other River/stream/ditch 0.1 Other Quarry/cliff/rock/wall Ruderal Other AREA IMPORTANCE Areas of habitat covering less than Blank - Not known 1 - Small but significant 0.1ha. recorded as 0.01 2 - Substantial 3 - Great COMPLETE FOR GAINS AND PARTIAL LOSSES ONLY

Loss since Last Survey : 0.1 Loss since First Survey : 6.5 Primary cause : Garden extensions (0.1) Secondary cause : Motorway and housing Gain since Last Survey : 0.3 Gain since First Survey : 1.4 Primary cause : Technical gain – more accurate mapping Secondary cause : Reassessment tools (0.3) Net change since Last Survey : +0.2 Net change since First Survey : -5.1

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