Deffer Woods

History

Not much is known of the early history of Deffer but it became part of the Cannon Hall Estate of the Spencer Stanhope family in 1894 when it was bought from the Savile Estate. Timber from the Estate woodlands used to be taken to the water powered sawmill at Jowett House where it would be cut into planks. The water wheel and some of the mechanism is still present.

After the Second World War the wood was leased to the Forestry Commission but the leasehold was then bought back by the Cannon Hall Estate in 1994. The direct descendant of the Spencer Stanhopes, Mr. Alistair Fraser, is now working in conjunction with Lancasters, Land Agents to manage the woods as an economic forestry operation.

Forestry

The main conifer species in Deffer is the Corsican Pine with dark grey bark and long, dark green needles. It grows exceedingly well in Deffer as does the Giant Fir. The most common hardwood species in Deffer is the Oak Also common is the Sycamore, a tree which grows very well in Yorkshire and which produces a beautiful and valuable white wood.

Young forestry trees are planted about two metres apart. Close planting helps to keep down weeds between the trees and encourages upward growth. Good timber should be tall and straight but the trees soon need thinning. In this process the weaker trees are removed to give the stronger ones more space to spread and grow tall. Thinning of conifers is normally done any time after about fifteen years and thinning continues at five to ten year intervals until the trees are mature.

Timber

Thinnings go for several uses, the poorest quality for chipboard, the slightly better for fencing. The best thinnings go for planking and other purposes. It is very important that as a nation we produce as much timber as we can in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. In this way we reduce the need for imported timber from the wild natural forests of the world. In coming years some of the mature plantations in Deffer will be felled and replanted so that there are always some young trees coming on. The young plantations may be less attractive to look at but are better for wildlife as they provide dense cover and a range of structure and habitat. A Charcoal Burner works in the wood using hardwood thinnings and weed trees. These are cut to length and placed in the kilns where they smoulder for thirty six hours or so. Charcoal produced in this country is generally better than imported charcoal as it is easier to light and gives out more heat. Unlike some imported charcoals, the charcoal from Deffer comes from a fully sustainable source and is a by product of good woodland management. You can see the kilns just up the main ride from North Lodge and situated on the right hand side. Please do not go too close as the kilns get very hot when burning.

Access and Amenity

By agreement with the Forestry Authority and Kirklees Council, free pedestrian access is allowed throughout most of Deffer. Although mainly a conifer woodland the wood is very beautiful. The seventy year old stands of mature conifers are magnificent as are the many twisted oaks and other native broadleaves. The aim is to keep a belt of hardwoods around the edges of the wood and to develop more broadleaf woodland along the forest track sides. Conifers will be cut back from along the water courses as they tend to make streams acid and less attractive to wildlife. Sadly, several of the small streams are affected by ochre (iron oxide) from old colliery workings but efforts are being made to remedy this problem with a series of small ponds and wetlands.

The north east corner of the wood is a wildlife sanctuary area and is out of bounds to the public.

Wildlife

The wildlife potential of Deffer is perhaps restricted by the amount of conifer plantation and this will continue to be the case as the main market demand is for soft wood, not hardwood timber.

The size of the wood and many features of its landscape and structure do provide a range of valuable habitats which are being enhanced and developed as part of the forestry management programme. This includes creation of the wildlife sanctuary area, work on track sides and stream courses and plans to create further ponds and wet areas.

The streams and tracks, or 'rides' divide the site and create abundant Woodland edge' habitat in which woodland wildflowers, invertebrates and small birds thrive. Further work on these important wildlife corridors will let in light and air and will improve the range of structure and species.

The mix of mature broadleaf and conifer plantations provide breeding and feeding habitat for a number of mammals and birds and when felling and replanting starts, newly planted areas will provide further habitats.

Woodland Code

You may walk freely throughout the woods but please do not enter the wildlife sanctuary area.
Please keep your dog under proper close control.
Horse riding and cycling are authorised by permit holders only*
Public events and organised activity such as orienteering and sponsored walks by prior written consent only. *
No motorcycles or other vehicles.
No camping or lighting of fires.
Please respect the wildlife and landscape of the woods at all times.

In the event of special circumstances such as severe fire risk, shooting or forestry operations, please heed all warning notices and temporary restrictions on access.

*For permits, special consents and further information contact Lancasters Estates Ltd. 34 Eldon Street, Barnsley. S70 2EL. Tel. 0 1226 205274

Members of the public are reminded that neither Kirklees Council nor the owner of Deffer Woods will be responsible for any accident or loss.