Dobpark Wood

Thursday 6th June 2024

Leaders: Laurie & Janine Wildwood

At this evening meeting attended by 13 adults and 3 children, we explored the ancient woodland of Dobpark Wood (SE186506) which consists of alder carr and dry oak woodland. The evening was dry but relatively cool given the persistent northerly wind which prevailed for several days at the beginning of June. The walk was led by Laurie and Janine Wildwood who live nearby and are very familiar with the natural history of the area.

Most of the wood we explored was quite wet underfoot as there are several large flushes and several areas were very boggy indeed and had to be circumnavigated! Those that put on Wellingtons were at a great advantage!

A total of 75 taxa were recorded including Smooth-stalked Sedge (Carex laevigata) which favoured the shady wet conditions. Abundant Lesser Pond-sedge (Carex acutiformis) was noted, but unfortunately, although Greater Tussock-sedge (Carex paniculata) is known to be present, it was not located on this visit.

Some areas of the woodland were more alkaline, and this was reflected in the presence of plants such as Wood Melick (Melica uniflora) and Woodruff (Galium odoratum).

It was gratifying to see Beech Fern (Phegopteris connectilis) growing on a log in a large quantity and a further two colonies were found during the walk.

A special find of the evening was of the comparatively rare Trichocolea tomentella, the Handsome Woollywort, which is a moss-like liverwort. The location for this plant being clearly suitable, “a shaded wet place, typically where there is some surface water movement, such as in mineral-rich woodland flushes or seepage lines, or in permanently wet ground of the banks of small streams”, according to the British Bryological Society. The Dobpark Wood location is only the second record in Wharfedale, the other being at Buckden. It is on the decline nationally which, given its preferred habitat, is not surprising.

At the end of our wood expedition, we explored the grassy bank adjacent to a farmhouse and recorded several more species including Spring-sedge (Carex caryophyllea) and Tormentil (Potentilla erecta).

Overall, the evening was very enjoyable, and we thanked our hosts for the time and dedication in looking after the wood. A full species list will be made available to members. 

Footnote:

According to Laurie, the woods are privately owned and there is evidence of some occasional management such as clear-felling and native replanting on the drier south-east slopes. The University of Leeds undertakes various monitoring exercises.

Large areas of wet woodland are relatively rare, particularly outside flood plains, and currently the site had not been designated as any form of conservation area. To achieve this would involve the cooperation of the landowner and to undertake an exercise to identify qualifying criteria such as species presence and numbers. Ultimately Natural England would be involved.

Text by Laurence Sutton

Photographs by Susan except where otherwise stated