Hunter's Wood
Two fields adjacent to Warburton's Wood were purchased to extend the existing wood using both natural regeneration and planting. Existing meadows are also being extended and rides and glades will provide open ground.
Location
Hunters Wood is adjacent to Warburton's Wood, near Kingsley, Frodsham (O.S. Grid Ref.: SJ554763).
Access
Leave Kingsley via B5153 heading towards Frodsham. Immediately before the church turn right and follow the road around a left hand bend. Turn right onto a rough trackway and follow this down to a white House. IMMEDIATELY before the House turn right through a wooden field gate. Proceed 20 metres along a grassy track and park.
The reserve is open to all.
Status
Cheshire Wildlife Trust acquired Hunter's Wood in May 1999, as an extension of an existing CWT nature reserve - Warburton's Wood. Together, they are part of a larger wildlife corridor extending along the River Weaver including other Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's) and Sites of Biological Importance (SBI's).
Background
When bought, the site comprised poor semi-improved grassland, which had been grazed by cattle and a small strip of ancient semi-natural woodland. Whilst it was acknowledged that the existing grassland had value for wildlife, it was felt that the area could be significantly improved through the creation of new woodland.
The reason for developing the site as woodland rather than grassland (the other practical option), was that the fertile agricultural ground did not lend itself to the development of a good grassland in the future. However, despite the fertility, the location provided near optimal conditions for creating new woodland, as most of the site is bordered by ancient semi-natural woodland (much of it SSSI). In addition, the siting of the new woodland enabled 2 ancient semi-natural woodlands to be linked, reducing fragmentation of this important habitat and providing opportunities for the dispersal of woodland species to the new woodland.
Following a botanical survey a planting design was produced, which formed the basis of the management plan. We also organised for surveys of terrestrial invertebrates and aquatic invertebrates (the site has 2 ponds), prior to any tree planting.
In the autumn of 1999 and 2000 seed collection events were organised and students and school children helped gather seeds from the surrounding woodland.
Following approval of a Woodland Grant Scheme application planting began in winter 2000 unfortunately amidst heavy never ending rain. Contractors planted 400m of hedge in what turned into liquid mud and volunteers braved the weather to help plant almost 3000 trees. In addition, some sycamores were felled by contractors. Planting was brought to an abrupt halt by the start of the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic in 2001. However since then work on the reserve has continued, at it appears the majority of our young trees are thriving.
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