A wonderful uplifting article reminding us about one of the things that makes Sheffield special - the ancient woodlands and bluebells. Also documented in some of Stanley Royle's paintings.
Woolley Woods used to be a private woodland until a local resident launched a solo campaign with Sheffield Corporation (in the early 1920s) to buy it, so that people could have access. Sheffield Corporation did eventually buy it with a loan from the government. It was always a reminder to me that one person could make a difference if they kept at it. And today, we all still benefit.
It was great to learn that the Spanish bluebell isn't an invasive species. No doubt it would be if it could, but it can't. I didn't know that before I read this article, so thank you, David! Hitherto, I'd read that it was taking over, and that was making me feel bad, especially when those in my garden (planted by my vendors) came out every year. Now I can enjoy them without feeling guilt!
A. E. Housman, although he was writing about Shropshire. He is also writing about how the beauties of a rural home are consoling, but London is easy to be miserable in because there aren't any. Come to Sheffield and get the best of both worlds.
A few friends and I walked down from Ecclesfield to Meadowhall last week, via Woolley Woods. It was glorious. We were completing the last leg of the northern loop of The Greenway, a long distance walk around Sheffield. I remember Mel Jones fondly. He was my tutor at the former Sheffield Teacher Training College. Very much enjoyed your article.
I’m really enjoying the Tribune - a dedicated Tribble am I - and also all of David B’s articles both here and in the super Bill’s Mother’s. But the icing on the cake is the interesting and informative comments added by other readers - thank you Bridget, Ruth, Eileen and other regular commenters 😊!
I love Woolley Woods and walk through it often. I can do a round walk from my house in Firth Park, up Wincobank Hill and down the other side, then across to Woolley Woods and through Concord Park. Plenty of wild garlic in the woods too
Shirtcliffe Woods which bisects Handsworth and Woodhouse has bluebells on the drier hillsides of the ravine that Shirtcliffe Brook runs through. However at this time of year the overpowering smell comes from the wild garlic that carpets the wetter ground skirting the brook.
Thank you for the Woolley Woods recommendation! Went today and it was carpeted with blue bells. I expected to see a contingent of Tribune readers but it was very quiet
A wonderful uplifting article reminding us about one of the things that makes Sheffield special - the ancient woodlands and bluebells. Also documented in some of Stanley Royle's paintings.
Woolley Woods used to be a private woodland until a local resident launched a solo campaign with Sheffield Corporation (in the early 1920s) to buy it, so that people could have access. Sheffield Corporation did eventually buy it with a loan from the government. It was always a reminder to me that one person could make a difference if they kept at it. And today, we all still benefit.
It was great to learn that the Spanish bluebell isn't an invasive species. No doubt it would be if it could, but it can't. I didn't know that before I read this article, so thank you, David! Hitherto, I'd read that it was taking over, and that was making me feel bad, especially when those in my garden (planted by my vendors) came out every year. Now I can enjoy them without feeling guilt!
"And like a standing water stood
The bluebells in the azured wood."
A. E. Housman, although he was writing about Shropshire. He is also writing about how the beauties of a rural home are consoling, but London is easy to be miserable in because there aren't any. Come to Sheffield and get the best of both worlds.
A few friends and I walked down from Ecclesfield to Meadowhall last week, via Woolley Woods. It was glorious. We were completing the last leg of the northern loop of The Greenway, a long distance walk around Sheffield. I remember Mel Jones fondly. He was my tutor at the former Sheffield Teacher Training College. Very much enjoyed your article.
I’m really enjoying the Tribune - a dedicated Tribble am I - and also all of David B’s articles both here and in the super Bill’s Mother’s. But the icing on the cake is the interesting and informative comments added by other readers - thank you Bridget, Ruth, Eileen and other regular commenters 😊!
I love Woolley Woods and walk through it often. I can do a round walk from my house in Firth Park, up Wincobank Hill and down the other side, then across to Woolley Woods and through Concord Park. Plenty of wild garlic in the woods too
Lovely article. Don’t these Spanish invaders realise we had a rush to the head in 2016 and voted for Brexit. How dare they keep showing up over here!
Shirtcliffe Woods which bisects Handsworth and Woodhouse has bluebells on the drier hillsides of the ravine that Shirtcliffe Brook runs through. However at this time of year the overpowering smell comes from the wild garlic that carpets the wetter ground skirting the brook.
Brilliant ! Thanks for that prompt to go and visit and the bluebells, adding on a trip to the Wincobank chairs.
Off-topic, but Wincobank/Blackburn is virtually devoid of any pubs now.
Thank you for the Woolley Woods recommendation! Went today and it was carpeted with blue bells. I expected to see a contingent of Tribune readers but it was very quiet
Aready written a comment -where is it?
Could we have a map of how to walk from tram stop to Woolley woods?