RL
WOODLAND LOCATION
Park maintenance is minimal in this area, but the outflow stream has been artifically created with a managed outflow from the reservoir (to the north).
The woodland is primarily used by dog works, but occasionally it is the setting for outdoor plays.
MICROCLIMATE
The underlying soil is freely draining, slightly acidic and sandy. It has a low fertility and carbon content. This was evident as there was poor drainage and saturated ground. Acidic soils also lock up nutrients which therefore restricts the vegetation that can grow, resulting in a narrow range of species (see site photo - left).
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(British Geological Survey, 2015a)
SOILS
As mentioned, the limited evaporation results in saturated ground. As the woodland is located on a gradual slopes, surface water is drained towards the outflow stream which runs through the woodland (see image). This continues south towards the boating lake.
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(Ordnance Survey, 2015b)
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DRAINAGE
MAINTENANCE & USE
Woodland
INTENSIVE/EXTENSIVE VIEWS
The mature woodland features trees exceeding 15m in height, their enclosure creates a humid, sheltered environment with limited light, particularly in spring/summer due to the dense canopy.
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There was less wind here compared to the other typology sites, as the wind was intercepted by the trees.
The restricted light resulted in a dark, damp environment. The ground was wet and muddy as water could not be evaporated.
The woodland was planted prior to 1840, the first historical map available for the site (Ordnance Survey, 2015a).
However, between 1910 and 1920 it was expanded to its present day extent. (see images).
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It represents one of the few historic woodlands within close proximity to Manchester City Centre.
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ECOLOGY
HISTORY
1910 (Ordnance Survey, 2015a) 1920 (Ordnance Survey, 2015a)
