Haythornthwaite Wood

On the edge of Sheffield, 1km from the boundary of the Peak District National Park, there stands a small wood. We dedicate it to the founders of our charity, Ethel and Gerald Haythornthwaite.

Gerald Haythornthwaite helped plant the wood near Dore in 1994. It was saved by the 1936 Whirlow Bridge to Dore Moor campaign.

Current work

We are collaborating with partners to manage Haythornthwaite Wood. We are working together to restore the planted hedgeline. The hedgeline has grown freely for ten years without any intervention. Now, we are laying it to create a healthier mixed species hedge that is lower but thicker.

Hedgelaying is a traditional technique. It strengthens and thickens the whole hedge. It involves semi-splicing the taller branches that grow upwards from the original hedge. The branches are laid in one direction. They continue to grow outwards and upwards. This creates a stock-proof barrier to the adjacent field. It also provides an excellent habitat and food for many bird and animal species.

Sheffield City Council Rangers have cleared overgrown blackthorn and other vegetation. This made the hedgeline accessible and ready for laying. The Rangers invited volunteers and community groups to try hedgelaying. They instructed and supervised them.

In 2023, money was raised to improve the Wood. The Dore Village Society, who care about the wood, donated money to support the project. The national CPRE “Hedgerow Heroes” fund also gave a grant for the restoration of the mixed hedge.