Dyscarr Wood SSSI
Type : Woodland
Dyscarr Wood is a semi-natural ash/wych elm wood with some areas of scrub and marsh. It is situated on the Nottinghamshire/South Yorkshire border, west of Langold, and covers 17 hectares.
About the Reserve
Most of the reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and some of it is designated as a Local Nature Reserve. Approximately half of the site is owned by the Trust, the remainder is managed on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council, which in turn leases the wood, as a nature reserve, from British Coal.
The reserve is a fine example of ash/wych elm woodland developed on Magnesian Limestone soil. Much of the wych elm has been affected by Dutch Elm Disease and other trees include birch, sycamore and oak. The shrub layer contains abundant hazel and hawthorn together with field maple, dogwood, privet and blackthorn. In wetter areas alder and crack willow are common. The wood contains a number of plants which indicate its ancient origins. These include sweet woodruff, ramsons, yellow archangel and wood melick. Species such as dog’s mercury, enchanter’s nightshade, hedge woundwort and sanicle can also be found. Some areas contain twayblade, broad-leaved helleborine, primrose, early purple orchid, wood anemone and common spotted orchid.
About 50 species of birds have been recorded, including green, great spotted and lesser spotted woodpeckers, sparrowhawk, little owl and tawny owl. Winter visitors such as brambling and fieldfare and in summer spotted flycatcher and blackcap can be seen. Hawfinch and woodcock have also been recorded. The small glades adjoining the marshy area are excellent for butterflies. Fourteen species have been seen on the reserve, including small copper, brimstone, orange tip and migrants such as red admiral and painted lady. Grass snakes are present. The Nottinghamshire/South Yorkshire county boundary ditch and bank system is also an interesting feature.
Conservation Management
The Trust aims to conserve and enhance the range of species and their habitats and to safeguard their future. Management includes path maintenance and traditional woodland management using techniques such as coppicing. The reduction of problems such as vandalism and littering is a priority. Visitors should be encouraged to keep to the footpaths and unauthorised horse riding is not allowed.
How to Get There
The reserve is on the Nottinghamshire/South Yorkshire county border west of Langold. The entrance (Grid Ref. SK 581868) is on the southern edge of the reserve leading to Church St. (opposite Langold Park entrance), from where paths lead through most parts of the wood.
Further Information
If you would like further details about the reserve, or if you are interested in getting involved in the management of the site, please call the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Office on 0115 958 8242.
