Welcome to Blackfirs Wood!
First, please enjoy the wood and its wildlife but be careful as you walk through it since there may be trees that have fallen or other hazards or obstructions inside. A full disclaimer is at the bottom of this page.
Blackfirs Wood is a 1.15ha (2.8 acre) woodland that was originally gifted to the Cheshire Wildlife Trust (CWT) in 1991. It is dominated by birch and oak, underplanted with hazel, holly and guelder rose. After a lack of investment over recent years, the parish council approached CWT with a view to buying the site. After lengthy discussions with them, a 99-year lease was signed in early 2022. The woodland is flat and lies on a thin covering of peat, over sand. Alder and willow can be found in the wetter areas. The site’s eastern (roadside) boundary has been planted with native hedgerow species, of hawthorn, blackthorn and guelder rose.
The parish council has plans to improve the site over time. Already completed are: chestnut paling fencing across the road side of the site; clearance and tidying of the verge and creation of a winding path in front of the fence; two new (accessible) gates; removal of the kissing gate and reinstatement of the 5-bar gate to allow maintenance access. We are now planning to expand the circular paths inside the wood and make them accessible for all, as well as placing information signs at the entrances. Work has already been done on pond clearance, and we are looking to control Himalayan Balsam that has appeared on the site. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to introduce Himalayan Balsam into the wild.
Please watch this space as we proceed with further improvements over the next two years. If you want to get involved, please contact us at: clerk@somerfordparishcouncil.co.uk
LEGAL LIABILITY: Save for death or personal injury caused by the negligence of the Somerford Parish Council, or anyone for whom they are in law responsible, neither the parish council, nor any agent, employee or representative thereof, accepts any liability for any accident, loss, damage, injury or illness to any person, animal or property whatsoever, whether caused by their negligence, breach of contract or in any other way whatsoever.
HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE: The Somerford Parish Council have taken reasonable precautions to ensure the health and safety of everyone using this wood. For these measures to be effective, everyone must take all reasonable precautions to avoid and prevent accidents occurring and must obey any instructions and follow any advice regarding its use.
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