# Hack Fall Wood > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Hack_Fall_Wood > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Hack_Fall_Wood.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hack_Fall_Wood > Source revision: 1326212036 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|Site of Special Scientific Interest in North Yorkshire, England}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}} {{Use British English|date=January 2020}} {{Infobox SSSI |name=Hack Fall Wood |image=Hack Fall Wood 12 July 2019 (3).jpg |image_caption=Fisher's Hall folly in Hack Fall Wood |image_size=250 |aos=North Yorkshire |interest=Biological |gridref={{gbmappingsmall|SE235772}} |coordinates={{coord|54.1890|N|1.6388|W|region:GB_scale:25000|display=inline,title}} |map=[https://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=sssiIndex&query=HYPERLINK%3D%271002423%27 Magic Map (Defra)] |area={{convert|44.8687|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=4}} |notifydate=6 October 1989 |enref= }} '''Hack Fall Wood''', otherwise known as '''Hackfall''', is a [Site of Special Scientific Interest](/source/Site_of_Special_Scientific_Interest), or SSSI, of {{convert|44.8687|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=4}}, lying north-east of the village of [Grewelthorpe](/source/Grewelthorpe), [North Yorkshire](/source/North_Yorkshire), England. During the 18th century it was landscaped in the [picturesque](/source/picturesque) style by landowner [William Aislabie](/source/William_Aislabie_(1700%E2%80%931781)), who created views by engineering streams and pools, [planting trees](/source/planting_trees) and building [follies](/source/folly). [J. M. W. Turner](/source/J._M._W._Turner) and [William Sawrey Gilpin](/source/William_Sawrey_Gilpin) painted it, and pictures of it featured on [Catherine the Great](/source/Catherine_the_Great)'s 1773 [Wedgwood](/source/Wedgwood) dinner service. Some 19th-century writers called it "one of the most beautiful woods in the country." Following 20th century clear-[felling](/source/felling) and [natural regeneration](/source/Regeneration_(biology)) of trees, the [Woodland Trust](/source/Woodland_Trust) purchased the property in 1989. The site was designated as an SSSI in the same year. Together with the Hackfall Trust and the [Landmark Trust](/source/Landmark_Trust), the Woodland Trust restored footpaths, [conserved](/source/Conservation_and_restoration_of_cultural_heritage) the remaining follies and managed the wildlife [habitat](/source/habitat) according to its SSSI status. The woodland supports varied wildlife, including many birds, animals and flowering plants, plus more than 200 species of [liverworts](/source/Marchantiophyta) and [moss](/source/moss)es, and two rare creatures: the beetle ''[Platycis minutus](/source/Erotinae)'' and the [lemon slug](/source/Malacolimax_tenellus), which lives only in ancient woodland. The site is now listed as a Conservation Area, and as [Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland](/source/Ancient_woodland) (ASNW). The woodland lies within the [Nidderdale National Landscape](/source/Nidderdale_National_Landscape). It is open to the public and has many summer visitors, although the only public facility is a car park. ==Site history== There is local evidence of earlier settlements in this area. There are prehistoric [earthworks](/source/earthworks_(archaeology)) at Magdalen Hill, the name ''Camp Hill'' suggests a [Roman encampment](/source/Roman_army), and the name ''Grewelthorpe'' implies Danish settlement. It is possible that the name ''Hackfall'' derives simply from ''haggen'', an Old Norse word associated with tree felling, and the fall of water through the Hackfall Gorge.{{cite web |last1=Holden |first1=Phil |title=Hackfall |url=http://www.hackfall.org.uk/History/hackfall-the-name |website=hackfall.org.uk |publisher=Caravanwise |access-date=19 January 2020}} Hack Fall Wood is a [Grade I listed Historic Garden](/source/Listed_buildings_in_England).{{NHLE|num=1000130 |desc=Hackfall|access-date=17 January 2020}} The listed follies on the site are Mowbray Point Ruin,{{NHLE|num=1150534 |desc=The Ruin, Mowbray Point|access-date=17 January 2010}} Mowbray Castle,{{NHLE|num=1173440 |desc=Mowbray Castle|access-date=17 January 2020}} the Rustic Temple,{{NHLE|num=1173445 |desc=Rustic Temple by lake|access-date=17 January 2020}} and Fisher's Hall.{{NHLE|num=1150533 |desc=Fisher's Hall|access-date=17 January 2020}} Fisher's Hall is dated 1750, and named after William Aislabie's gardener.{{cite news |last1=Newton |first1=Grace |title=Hackfall Wood: the Yorkshire Dales woodland full of enchanted waterfalls and mysterious ruins |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage/hackfall-wood-the-yorkshire-dales-woodland-full-of-enchanted-waterfalls-and-mysterious-ruins-1-9920720 |access-date=17 January 2020 |work=Yorkshire Post |archive-date=20 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220085849/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage/hackfall-wood-the-yorkshire-dales-woodland-full-of-enchanted-waterfalls-and-mysterious-ruins-1-9920720 |url-status=dead }} ===Follies=== ====Fisher's Hall==== thumb|right|Fisher's Hall Fisher's Hall was completed in 1750, and is [grade II listed](/source/grade_II_listed). It is built of [tufa](/source/tufa), and has an octagonal plan and a single storey. It is without a roof, it has a plain [eaves](/source/eaves) band, and is in [Gothic](/source/Gothic_architecture) style. The building contains a doorway with a pointed [moulded](/source/molding_(architecture)) arch and [pilaster](/source/pilaster)s, above which is a dated and initialled tablet. On the other sides are window openings with pointed arches.{{cite book| last =Leach| first =Peter| last2 = Pevsner | first2 = Nikolaus | author2-link = Nikolaus Pevsner | series= The Buildings of England| title =Yorkshire West Riding: Leeds, Bradford and the North| publisher =[Yale University Press](/source/Yale_University_Press) | year =2009 | location =New Haven and London |isbn =978-0-300-12665-5}} ====Mowbray Castle==== thumb|right|Mowbray Castle Mowbray Castle was also built in about 1750, and is grade II listed. It is in the form of a ruined stone [Gothic](/source/Gothic_architecture) tower. There are two storeys, an oval plan, and a front of three [bays](/source/bay_(architecture)). In the centre is a large opening with a pointed arch, and the flanking wings contain smaller pointed arches with [imposts](/source/impost_(architecture)). Above is a floor band, a cross-shaped opening in the middle bay and pointed arches in the outer bays. At the top are the remains of an [eaves](/source/eaves) band and a [parapet](/source/parapet). ====Rustic Temple==== thumb|right|Rustic Temple The Rustic Temple is grade II listed and is also mid-18th century. It is stone-built and is now a ruin. It has a single storey and an octagonal plan. On the front is an opening, flanked by square openings, all under large [lintels](/source/lintel_(architecture)). Inside, in the middle of the back wall, is a round-headed [niche](/source/niche_(architecture)). ====Mowbray Point Ruin==== thumb|right|Mowbray Point Ruin The ruin at Mowbray Point was built as a banqueting hall. It is also mid-18th century and is the only [grade II* listed](/source/grade_II*_listed) folly in the wood. It is partly ruined, and is built of stone and [tufa](/source/tufa). The front range has one storey and five [bays](/source/bay_(architecture)), the middle three bays projecting under a [pediment](/source/pediment) with a [moulded](/source/molding_(architecture)) [cornice](/source/cornice). In the centre is a doorway flanked by windows, all with pointed arches and [voussoir](/source/voussoir)s. The outer bays contain rectangular windows. At the rear are three round arches, the middle one tallest, and a domed roof pierced by roundels. Outside these are [tunnel vault](/source/tunnel_vault)s with [niches](/source/niche_(architecture)). ====Other follies==== The grotto was constructed as a place to sit and rest, and admire the view of a {{convert|40|ft|m}} drop. By the mid-20th century it had almost entirely collapsed, and so it was not listed with the other follies. The walls have since been rebuilt, using rubble from the original building, and a bench set inside them. There are no plans to restore the roof.{{cite web |title=The Grotto |url=http://www.hackfall.org.uk/buildings/the-grotto |website=Hackfall |access-date=5 November 2024}} Hack Fall Wood geograph-2415365-by-C-P-Smith.jpg|Grotto Hackfall Gothic Kitchen - geograph.org.uk - 1525478.jpg|Gothic Kitchen ===Landscaping=== In previous centuries the area which is now designated an SSSI was called ''Hackfall''. [John Aislabie](/source/John_Aislabie) (1670–1742) of [Studley Royal Park](/source/Studley_Royal_Park), who had been responsible for the formal-style landscaping of Studley Royal and [Fountains Abbey](/source/Fountains_Abbey), purchased this land in 1731. He bought it for its timber, and perhaps also for its [lime kiln](/source/lime_kiln), the [coal pit](/source/Coal_mining)s near Limehouse Hill, [sandstone](/source/sandstone) quarries for repairing [Ripon Cathedral](/source/Ripon_Cathedral), and the [sawmill](/source/sawmill). His son [William Aislabie (1700–1781)](/source/William_Aislabie_(1700%E2%80%931781)), with an eye to the [sublime](/source/Sublime_(philosophy)) aesthetic, landscaped the site in a natural, [picturesque](/source/picturesque) style with [follies](/source/Folly), an artificial waterfall, temples and [grotto](/source/grotto)es among the trees, and the kinds of views and [glade](/source/glade_(geography))s which were fashionable at the time. Aislabie used the Banqueting House, now known as the Mowbray Point Ruin, to entertain friends, and in the 19th century this became a [tea room](/source/Teahouse) for tourists, when Hackfall was the property of [Lord Ripon](/source/George_Robinson%2C_1st_Marquess_of_Ripon) and available to those could pay for entry. Mowbray Point may have been designed by [Robert Adam](/source/Robert_Adam), and is now a [holiday cottage](/source/holiday_cottage) controlled by the [Landmark Trust](/source/Landmark_Trust).{{cite journal |title=Hackfall Wood, Yorkshire |journal=Countryfile Magazine |date=4 August 2011 |url=https://www.countryfile.com/go-outdoors/walks/hackfall-wood-yorkshire/ |access-date=6 January 2020 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127170027/https://www.countryfile.com/go-outdoors/walks/hackfall-wood-yorkshire/ |url-status=dead }} "Nineteenth century writers hailed [Hackfall] as one of the most beautiful woodlands in the country;" [J. M. W. Turner](/source/J._M._W._Turner) and [William Sawrey Gilpin](/source/William_Sawrey_Gilpin) painted here. Hackfall is mentioned in [William Wordsworth](/source/William_Wordsworth)'s ''[Guide to the Lakes](/source/Guide_to_the_Lakes)'', and in works by [Arthur Young](/source/Arthur_Young_(agriculturist)) and Reverend [Richard Warner](/source/Richard_Warner_(antiquary)). It was pictured on five or six items of [Wedgwood](/source/Wedgwood)'s 944-piece Frog [dinner service](/source/Tableware) of 1773, made for [Catherine the Great](/source/Catherine_the_Great). ===Hackfall before the felling=== Hack Fall Wood, painting.jpg|Hackfall, 18th century Lossy-page1-5184px-'Hackfall, Yorkshire' RMG PY6166.tiff (1).jpg|Hackfall, 1809 Hackfall by Turner.jpg|Hackfall by [J. M. W. Turner](/source/J._M._W._Turner), 1816 Hack Fall Wood, old postcard (6) 001.jpg|Hackfall, 1902–1905 Hack Fall Wood, old postcard (1) 001.jpg|Hackfall, 1905 Hack Fall Wood, old postcard (3) 001.jpg|Hackfall, 1908 ===Felling=== In March 1933 after the [National Trust](/source/National_Trust) failed to purchase it due to lack of funds, timber merchant John Green bought the wood, and most of it was clear-[felled](/source/felling), then partially replanted with conifers. By 1937 Hackfall was a commercial farm and woodland, then during [World War II](/source/World_War_II) it was allowed to degenerate, and fell prey to vandalism. Some features, including wooden buildings, were lost during the 1930s and 1940s, including [cascades](/source/Waterfall), [weir](/source/weir)s, [bench](/source/bench_(furniture))es, seats, a pair of [summerhouses](/source/Summer_house), and two items called the ''Sentry Box'' and the ''Tent''. The wood was, however, allowed to [regenerate](/source/Regeneration_(biology)) naturally until the 1980s, and a small part still remains of the Sandbed Hut near Limehouse Hill, and the entrance Gate Pillars.[https://www.yorkshirewalks.org/diary18/hackfall/c2216.jpg This image] possibly represents Sandbed Hut. ===Restoration=== When the property was offered for sale in 1987 and a threat of commercial development was noted, the Hackfall Trust was formed to raise funds for restoration of the landscaping. In 1989 the [Woodland Trust](/source/Woodland_Trust) purchased it on a 999-year lease, "restoring footpaths and woodland walks, [conserving](/source/Conservation_and_restoration_of_cultural_heritage) the various follies, managing the fragile habitats." Almost £1,000,000 was given to the Woodland Trust by the [National Lottery Heritage Fund](/source/National_Lottery_Heritage_Fund) for restoration in 2007. The work was also funded by Yorventure and [Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty](/source/Nidderdale_Area_of_Outstanding_Natural_Beauty).{{cite web |title=Hackfall Woods |url=https://www.visitharrogate.co.uk/things-to-do/hackfall-woods-p1219791 |website=visitharrogate.co.uk |publisher=Visit Harrogate |access-date=6 January 2020}} The three organisations responsible for organising the restoration and maintenance of the site are the Hackfall Trust, the [Woodland Trust](/source/Woodland_Trust) and the [Landmark Trust](/source/Landmark_Trust). The Landscape Agency carried out the work, and received the Landscape Award in 2008 from [RIBA](/source/Royal_Institute_of_British_Architects) White Rose Awards. A [warden](/source/Park_ranger) was provided for the wood in 2009. The Hackfall and Woodland Trusts were under contract to maintain the woodland until around 2034. ===Hack Fall Wood after regeneration=== Hack Fall Wood geograph-1910169-by-Paul-Buckingham.jpg|View from above, 2010 Hack Fall Wood geograph-4016743-by-Paul-Buckingham.jpg|[River Ure](/source/River_Ure) view, 2014 Hack Fall Wood Flickr E 01.jpg|Fisher's Hall, 2016 Hack Fall Wood Flickr E 08.jpg|River Ure view, 2016 Hack Fall Wood.jpg|River Ure view, 2019 Hack Fall Wood 12 July 2019 (2).jpg|Fountain pond, 2019 ==Site location and designation== Hack Fall Wood is a {{convert|44.8687|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=4}} biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI),{{cite web |title=Designated sites view, details: Hack Fall Wood SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1002423&SiteName=Hack&countyCode=&responsiblePerson=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=20 December 2019|ref=1002423 |date=16 October 1989}} designated because "it is important as a largely undisturbed example of ancient semi-natural broadleaved woodland." This "ancient woodland" with its large variety of flora over a mixed geology holds a valued resource of plant life. The key habitat of Hack Fall Wood is listed as a Conservation Area,{{cite journal |last1=Brayshaw |first1=Alison |title=Hackfall, 1980 – 2010. Observations on a Historic Park and Garden's transition from abandonment into a major public asset |journal=Yorkshire Gardens Trust Newsletter |date=Winter 2009 |issue=24 |pages=3–7 |url=https://yorkshiregardenstrust.org.uk/sites/yorkshiregardenstrust.org.uk/files/documents/YGT_newsletter_24.pdf |access-date=6 January 2020 |archive-date=12 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212073430/http://yorkshiregardenstrust.org.uk/sites/yorkshiregardenstrust.org.uk/files/documents/YGT_newsletter_24.pdf |url-status=dead }} it is included in the [United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan](/source/United_Kingdom_Biodiversity_Action_Plan) (BAP); it is listed as [Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland](/source/Ancient_woodland) (ASNW), and it is on the [Invertebrate](/source/Invertebrate) Site Register (ISR). It sits on the north and east slopes where the River Ure flows through the Hackfall Gorge,{{cite web |title=Citation: Hack Fall Wood SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/PDFsForWeb/Citation/1002423.pdf |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=6 January 2020|ref=1002423 |date=6 October 1989}} the site being adjacent to the north-east side of [Grewelthorpe](/source/Grewelthorpe), and south of [Masham](/source/Masham).{{cite web |title=Magic Map, Hack Fall Wood SSSI |url=https://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=sssiIndex&query=HYPERLINK%3D%271002423%27 |website=Magic.defra.gov.uk |publisher=Defra |access-date=6 January 2020 |date=2020}} There are four separate entrances to the site.{{cite web |title=Hackfall Walks (with map) |url=http://casualramblers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Water-Hackfall-Woods-1.5-or-2.5-miles-.pdf |website=Woodland Trust |publisher=Woodland Trust and Hackfall Trust |access-date=6 January 2020}} Although there are no facilities apart from a comparatively recent car park, the site has been popular with tourists since the 19th century.{{cite web |title=Hackfall |url=http://www.hackfall.org.uk/ |website=Hackfall.org.uk |publisher=Caravanwise |access-date=6 January 2020}} There are no toilets, the nearest being at Grewelthorpe or Masham, and there is no wheelchair access, due to rough terrain and steep paths.{{cite web |title=Hackfall, Grewelthorpe |url=https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/hackfall/ |website=Woodlandtrust.org.uk |publisher=Woodland Trust |access-date=6 January 2020}}{{cite web |title=Hackfall Woods |url=http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/hackfall-woods-walking-route |website=Gps-routes.co.uk |publisher=GPS Cycle and Walking Routes |access-date=6 January 2020}} ==Significant biological content== ===Flora=== This ancient woodland was mostly felled in the 1930s, and the present tree cover has naturally regenerated since then, featuring a diversity of localised species, and also many common species such as [sycamore](/source/Acer_pseudoplatanus), [beech](/source/Fagus_sylvatica), [scots pine](/source/scots_pine), [foxglove](/source/Digitalis_purpurea), [dog rose](/source/Rosa_canina) and [red campion](/source/Silene_dioica). Hack Fall Wood is known for its spring carpet of [bluebell](/source/Hyacinthoides_non-scripta)s. Plants grow here in specific groups according to the underlying geology. For example, around the Brimham Grits cliffs and steep slopes the soil is acidic, and woodland trees are [holly](/source/Ilex_aquifolium), [rowan](/source/Sorbus_aucuparia), with a predominant canopy of [silver birch](/source/Betula_pendula) and [sessile oak](/source/Quercus_petraea). On the woodland floor are [cow-wheat](/source/Melampyrum_pratense), [hard fern](/source/Struthiopteris_spicant), [heather](/source/Calluna_vulgaris), [bilberry](/source/Vaccinium_myrtillus), [wavy hair-grass](/source/Deschampsia_flexuosa) and [great wood-rush](/source/Luzula_sylvatica). Acer pseudoplatanus 3 RF.jpg|[sycamore](/source/Acer_pseudoplatanus) 20170524Rosa canina4.jpg|[Dog rose](/source/Rosa_canina) Melampyrum silvaticum a1.jpg|[Small cow-wheat](/source/Melampyrum_sylvaticum) Blechnum spicant 6zz.jpg|[Hard fern](/source/Struthiopteris_spicant) 20151004Avenella flexuosa1.jpg|[Wavy hair-grass](/source/Deschampsia_flexuosa) Luzula sylvatica in natural setting.JPG|[Great wood-rush](/source/Luzula_sylvatica) Under the less steep slopes are Ure Shell beds, and here the soil is less acidic. Among the herbaceous plants are [herb Paris](/source/Paris_quadrifolia) and [toothwort](/source/Lathraea_squamaria), which are "uncommon." Other woodland floor plants here are [primrose](/source/Primula_vulgaris), [wood anemone](/source/Anemone_nemorosa), [enchanter's nightshade](/source/Circaea_lutetiana), [woodruff](/source/Galium_odoratum) or sweet-scented bedstraw, [ramsons](/source/Allium_ursinum) or wild garlic and [dog's mercury](/source/Mercurialis_perennis). This ground flora is described by [Natural England](/source/Natural_England) as "characteristic of old, established woodland." Above these, the understorey contains [guelder rose](/source/Viburnum_opulus) and [hazel](/source/Corylus_avellana). Above this is a canopy of [sycamore](/source/Acer_pseudoplatanus), [wych elm](/source/Ulmus_glabra) and [ash](/source/Fraxinus_excelsior). [Lesser celandine](/source/Ficaria_verna), [early dog violet](/source/Viola_reichenbachiana), opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage ''([Chrysosplenium](/source/Chrysosplenium) oppositifolium)'' and [wood sorrel](/source/Oxalis_acetosella) are also present in spring.{{cite web |title=Hack Fall Wood HDNS visit |url=http://www.hdns.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Hack-Fall-Wood-HDNS-Visit-1.pdf |website=hdns.org.uk |publisher=Harrogate and District Naturalists' Society |access-date=19 January 2020 |date=29 March 2017}} 20150421Paris quadrifolia12.jpg|[Herb Paris](/source/Paris_quadrifolia) Lathraea squamaria kz23.jpg|[Toothwort](/source/Lathraea_squamaria) 20190401Anemone nemorosa1.jpg|[Wood anemone](/source/Anemone_nemorosa) Circaea lutetiana01.jpg|[Enchanter's nightshade](/source/Circaea_lutetiana) Galium odoratum 7zz.jpg|[Woodruff](/source/Galium_odoratum) Mercurialis perennis (s. str.) sl5.jpg|[Dog's mercury](/source/Mercurialis_perennis) This site has many pools and streams, resulting from "a series of [calcareous](/source/calcareous) [spring](/source/spring_(hydrology))s," which "give rise to ... extensive [flushing](/source/seep_(hydrology))." On the wettest ground is [tufted hair-grass](/source/Deschampsia_cespitosa), [pendulous sedge](/source/Carex_pendula), [great horsetail](/source/Equisetum_telmateia) and [meadowsweet](/source/Filipendula_ulmaria), below [spindle](/source/Euonymus_europaeus), [bird cherry](/source/Prunus_padus) and [alder](/source/Alnus_glutinosa). Beside the streams, on steep sides and rocks, are many [bryophyte](/source/bryophyte)s, and [fern](/source/fern)s such as [male fern](/source/Dryopteris_filix-mas), [polypody](/source/Polypodium_vulgare) and [hart's tongue](/source/Asplenium_scolopendrium). Deschampsia caepitosa.jpg|[Tufted hair-grass](/source/Deschampsia_cespitosa) Carex pendula inflorescens (23).jpg|[Pendulous sedge](/source/Carex_pendula) КИТКА Планина падините потокот Мала Рада 047.JPG|[Great horsetail](/source/Equisetum_telmateia) Dryopteris filix-mas (8338376879).jpg|[Male fern](/source/Dryopteris_filix-mas) Polypodium vulgare 002.JPG|[polypody](/source/Polypodium_vulgare) Phyllitis scolopendrium subsp. scolopendrium 01 by Line1.jpg|[Hart's tongue](/source/Asplenium_scolopendrium) In the northern part of the site, many wych elms have been lost to [Dutch elm disease](/source/Dutch_elm_disease), leaving clearings full of [rose bay willowherb](/source/Chamaenerion_angustifolium), [bramble](/source/Rubus_fruticosus) and [bracken](/source/Pteridium_aquilinum). The southern end is more fortunate in having wood fescue ''([Festuca](/source/Festuca) altissima)'' "which has a very local distribution in Great Britain." The wood fescue grows on cliff faces above the River Ure. In the woods nearby are many [small-leaved lime](/source/Tilia_cordata), some of which has regenerated from 18th century plantings. Epilobium angustifolium Culloden 02.jpg|[Rose bay willowherb](/source/Chamaenerion_angustifolium) RubusFruticosus FlowerAndUnripenFruits 01.jpg|[Bramble](/source/Rubus_fruticosus) 20130731Pteridium aquilinum1.jpg|[Bracken](/source/Pteridium_aquilinum) Festuca.altissima.2.jpg|Wood fescue ''([Festuca](/source/Festuca) altissima)'' 20140408Tilia cordata1.jpg|[Small-leaved lime](/source/Tilia_cordata) ===Fauna=== The site supports a large variety of birds. Beside the river, [common sandpiper](/source/common_sandpiper), [grey wagtail](/source/grey_wagtail), [dipper](/source/White-throated_dipper), [kingfisher](/source/Common_kingfisher), and even [osprey](/source/osprey), have been reported. In the woods are [lesser spotted woodpecker](/source/lesser_spotted_woodpecker), [green woodpecker](/source/European_green_woodpecker), [great spotted woodpecker](/source/great_spotted_woodpecker), [wood warbler](/source/wood_warbler), [nuthatch](/source/Eurasian_nuthatch), [chiffchaff](/source/common_chiffchaff), [treecreeper](/source/Eurasian_treecreeper) and [buzzard](/source/Common_buzzard). The Harrogate and District Naturalist's Society (HDNS) recorded 24 bird species here in March 2017, including [mallard](/source/mallard), [sparrowhawk](/source/Eurasian_sparrowhawk), [grey wagtail](/source/grey_wagtail), [wren](/source/Winter_wren), [robin](/source/European_robin), [song thrush](/source/song_thrush), [blackbird](/source/Common_blackbird), [chiffchaff](/source/Common_chiffchaff), [great tit](/source/great_tit), [long-tailed tit](/source/long-tailed_tit), [nuthatch](/source/Eurasian_nuthatch) and [chaffinch](/source/Common_chaffinch). Animals seen here are [stoat](/source/stoat), [badger](/source/badger), [red fox](/source/red_fox), [brown hare](/source/European_hare), [rabbit](/source/European_rabbit), [grey squirrel](/source/grey_squirrel), [mole](/source/mole_(animal)), [roe deer](/source/roe_deer), and [otter](/source/Eurasian_otter). The [noctule bat](/source/Nyctalus) and [pipistrelle](/source/Pipistrellus) are here, besides the [common frog](/source/common_frog), which congregates seasonally at the Fountain Pond. The [palmate newt](/source/palmate_newt), [smooth newt](/source/smooth_newt) and [common toad](/source/common_toad) have been seen here also.{{cite web |last1=Holmes |first1=Valerie |title=Hackfall Woods Wednesday 29 March 2017 |url=http://www.hdns.org.uk/hackfall-woods-wenesday-29th-march-2017/ |website=hdns.org.uk |publisher=Harrogate and District Naturalists' Society |access-date=6 January 2020 |date=29 March 2017 |archive-date=3 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903190953/http://www.hdns.org.uk/hackfall-woods-wenesday-29th-march-2017/ |url-status=dead }} Actitis hypoleucos a1.JPG|[Common sandpiper](/source/Common_sandpiper) Grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea robusta).jpg|[Grey wagtail](/source/Grey_wagtail) Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis.jpg|[Kingfisher](/source/Common_kingfisher) Dendrocopos minor 291108.jpg|[Lesser spotted woodpecker](/source/Lesser_spotted_woodpecker) Cinclus cinclus bronwen y dwr.jpg|[Dipper](/source/White-throated_dipper) Mustela erminea.jpg|[Stoat](/source/Stoat) ===Bryophytes=== 202 [liverworts](/source/Marchantiophyta) and [moss](/source/moss)es have been recorded here, and Harrogate and District Naturalists' Society (HDNS) recorded 24 [bryophyte](/source/bryophyte)s in March 2017, including ''Pseudotaxiphyllum elegans'', ''Orthotrichum pulchellum'', ''Thamnobryum alopecurum'', ''Mnium hornum'', ''Eurhynchium striatum'' and ''Orthotrichum affine''. Pseudotaxiphyllum elegans (b, 145253-481458) 7221.JPG|''Pseudotaxiphyllum elegans'' Orthotrichum pulchellum — Flora Batava — Volume v15.jpg|''Orthotrichum pulchellum'' Thamnobryum alopecurum (d, 144924-481522) 0290.JPG|''Thamnobryum alopecurum'' Mnium hornum (a, 150139-481742) 1989.jpg|''Mnium hornum'' Eurhynchium striatum (b, 144738-474746) 1274.JPG|''Eurhynchium striatum'' Orthotrichum affine (a, 144726-481017) 0895.JPG|''Orthotrichum affine'' ===Other biota=== Various butterflies are present, including [speckled wood](/source/speckled_wood_(butterfly)), [orange tip](/source/Anthocharis_cardamines) and [peacock](/source/Aglais_io). Also recorded here are the "locally rare" beetle ''([Platycis minutus](/source/Erotinae))'' and the [lemon slug](/source/Malacolimax_tenellus). The lemon slug is a creature of ancient woodland which eats fungi; it has become rare as a result of loss of habitat.{{cite web |title=Lemon slug |url=https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/animals/slugs-and-snails/lemon-slug/ |website=woodlandtrust.org.uk |publisher=Woodland Trust |access-date=7 January 2020}} 1024 Schmetterling-3365.jpg|[Speckled wood](/source/speckled_wood_(butterfly)) Anthocharis cardamines (Orange Tip), Arnhem, the Netherlands.JPG|[Orange tip](/source/Anthocharis_cardamines) Tagpfauenauge (Inachis io) d1 1.jpg|[Peacock](/source/Aglais_io) Platycis minutus4.JPG|Beetle ''([Platycis minutus](/source/Erotinae))'' Malacolimax tenellus.jpg|[Lemon slug](/source/Malacolimax_tenellus) ==Maintenance== The main principles of maintenance in this case are to make sure that the woodland is appropriate for the site's history, geology and [geography](/source/geography), that it can continue to [regenerate](/source/regeneration_(biology)) following the [clearcutting](/source/clearcutting) of the 1930s, and that the protected [habitat](/source/habitat) and [biota](/source/biota_(ecology)) can be supported. This means that there should be old and young trees, and some mature trees with a thick [understorey](/source/Understory). Dead wood is good for [fungi](/source/fungus) and [invertebrate](/source/invertebrate)s, but this wood constitutes a public area, so dying trees must be made safe especially in popular places. Invertebrates and [butterflies](/source/Butterfly) will benefit from occasional lighter man-made [clearings](/source/Glade_(geography)); this may require cutting, [coppicing](/source/coppicing) or even [felling](/source/felling) trees. Between August and February (to avoid the breeding season), non-[Indigenous](/source/Indigenous_(ecology)) trees and [shrub](/source/shrub)s may be cleared, and in some areas thinning may take place to maintain variety of woodland structure. Stump re-growth and natural seed [regeneration](/source/regeneration_(biology)) is preferable to planting, because such natural processes contribute to all woodland life. Light [grazing](/source/grazing) by deer, cattle and rabbits is conducive to species [diversity](/source/biodiversity), but sometimes the woodland will need protection from these if they over-graze. [Himalayan balsam](/source/Impatiens_glandulifera) and [rhododendron](/source/Rhododendron_ponticum) should be controlled to protect the integrity of the natural woodland. Some areas of the wood should be left completely unmanaged, with fallen trees permitted to pile up, providing habitat and insect food for a variety of wildlife.{{cite web |title=Management, Hack Fall Wood SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/PDFsForWeb/VAM/1002423.pdf |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=6 January 2020 |ref=1002423 |date=10 March 2004}} Around the [calcareous](/source/calcareous) [tufa](/source/tufa) [spring](/source/spring_(hydrology))s, there is specialised plant life. This plant life depends on the minerals from the springs, and the springs depend on protection of the [aquifer](/source/aquifer) below. Therefore, the site should be protected against commercial and agricultural [water extraction](/source/water_extraction) or ground pollution by waste, [fertiliser](/source/fertilizer), [herbicide](/source/herbicide) and [insecticide](/source/insecticide). ==Development and risk assessment== The whole site is covered by upland "[broadleaved](/source/deciduous), mixed and [yew](/source/yew) woodland," which [Natural England](/source/Natural_England) has measured out in two large units and one smaller unit. When the site was assessed on 28 May 2012, the first two larger units were judged to be in favourable condition. Unit One, {{convert|17.5165|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=4}} in the north, had mature woodland with old and young trees, fallen deadwood and some [sycamore](/source/sycamore) but not too much. Its ground flora met with approval. Unit Two, {{convert|17.3069|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=4}} in the centre of the site, had been in less favourable condition but was now acceptable, with varied woodland, diverse flora and sycamore whose expansion had been cut back sufficiently but still required monitoring. The report mentions issues with previous "scrubbing up of the [tufa](/source/tufa),"{{refn|The meaning of "scrubbing up" is unclear. It could possibly mean the grubbing up of tufa for use in building, as carried out by William Aislabie, or it could mean injudicious cleaning of tufa which may deny mineral benefit to nearby plantlife.|group=nb}} which had now been addressed.{{cite web |title=Condition assessment, Hack Fall Wood SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/ReportUnitCondition.aspx?SiteCode=S1002423&ReportTitle=Hack%20Fall%20Wood%20SSSI |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=6 January 2020 |date=28 May 2012}} The third unit, {{convert|8.1285|ha|km2 sqmi|sigfig=4}} in the east, was judged "unfavourable, recovering." It was considered mostly acceptable, with "diverse ground flora," and especially wood fescue ''([Festuca](/source/Festuca) altissima)''. There was plenty of [bilberry](/source/bilberry) above Raven Scar, which was given approval. The unfavourable assessment was due to the overwhelming amount of sycamore. There was too little regeration of plant life other than sycamore. There was no perceived immediate threat to the condition of any part of the site.{{cite web |title=Summary condition, Hack Fall Wood SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteUnitList.aspx?SiteCode=S1002423&SiteName=Hack&countyCode=&responsiblePerson=&unitId=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=6 January 2020}} [Harrogate Borough Council's](/source/Borough_of_Harrogate) [conservation](/source/conservation_biology) document of 2011 provides full information on the quality of the site and public consultation obligations.{{cite web |title=Hackfall conservation area character appraisal |url=https://nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/CAA_Hackfall.pdf |website=nidderdaleaonb.co.uk |publisher=Harrogate Borough Council |access-date=6 January 2020 |date=14 December 2011}} ==See also== *[Listed buildings in Grewelthorpe](/source/Listed_buildings_in_Grewelthorpe) There are about eight SSSIs in the [Harrogate](/source/Harrogate) region,{{cite web |title=Appendix III: wildlife sites in Harrogate district |url=https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/172/appendix_3_wildlife_sites.pdf |website=Harrogate.gov.uk (cached) |publisher=Harrogate Council |access-date=24 December 2019 |location=Harrogate |date=July 2009}} others being [Bishop Monkton Ings](/source/Bishop_Monkton_Ings),{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanne |title=Designated sites view: Bishop Monkton Ings SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1001101&SiteName=ings&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=20 December 2019 |date=1 October 1986}} [Brimham Rocks](/source/Brimham_Rocks),{{cite web |title=Designated sites view, Brimham Rocks SSSI, details |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1002279&SiteName=rock&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=27 January 2020 |date=19 February 1988}} [Cow Myers](/source/Cow_Myers),{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanne |title=Designated sites view: Cow Myers SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1002386&SiteName=cow&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=20 December 2019 |location=Harrogate|date=26 January 1984}} [Farnham Mires](/source/Farnham_Mires),{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanne |title=Designated sites view: Farnham Mires SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1004135&SiteName=farnham%20mires&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=20 December 2019 |date=13 January 1984}} [Hay-a-Park Gravel Pit](/source/Hay-a-Park_Gravel_Pit),{{cite web |title=Designated sites view: Hay-a-Park site detail |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S2000044&SiteName=Hay-a&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=20 December 2019 |location=Harrogate |date=15 June 1995}} [Kirk Deighton](/source/Kirk_Deighton_SSSI),{{cite web |last1=Dickinson |first1=Michelle |title=Kirk Deighton SSSI, details |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S2000441&SiteName=kirk&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=16 February 2020 |date=16 August 2000}} [Mar Field Fen](/source/Mar_Field_Fen),{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanne |title=Designated sites view: Mar Field Fen SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1002439&SiteName=mar%20field%20fen&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=20 December 2019 |location=Harrogate SE 222 819 |date=2 October 1988}} [Quarry Moor](/source/Quarry_Moor),{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanee |title=Designated sites view: Quarry Moor SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1003865&SiteName=moor&countyCode=30&responsiblePerson= |website=designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=20 December 2019 |location=Harrogate SE 309 693 |date=1 May 1986}} and [Ripon Parks](/source/Ripon_Parks).{{cite web |last1=Newton |first1=Joanne |title=Natural England designated sites view: Ripon Parks SSSI |url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1003629&SiteName=ripon&countyCode=&responsiblePerson= |website=Designatedsites.naturalengland.co.uk |publisher=Natural England |access-date=20 December 2019 |date=1983}} ==Notes== {{Reflist|group=nb}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== {{Forests and woodlands of Yorkshire}} {{Commons category|Hack Fall Wood}} * {{cite web |title=Hackfall |url=https://www.parksandgardens.org/places/hackfall |website=parksandgardens.org |publisher=Parks and Gardens, the Hestercombe Gardens Trust, The Heritage Fund, Historic England |access-date=19 January 2020 |date=1999}} * {{cite web |last1=Blyth |first1=Ray |title=Grewelthorpe, West Riding |url=https://www.fabulousfollies.net/grewelthorpe-hackfall.html# |website=fabulousfollies.net |publisher=Fabulous Follies |access-date=19 January 2020 |date=2018}} (archive images of follies) * {{cite web |last1=Starbuck |first1=Sonia |title=Hackfall Woods looking for fungi, 21st October 2017 |url=http://www.hdns.org.uk/news/trip-reports/ |website=hdns.org.uk |publisher=Harrogate and District Naturalists' Society |access-date=19 January 2020 |date=21 October 2017}} * {{cite book |last1=Walbran |first1=John Richard |title=A guide to Ripon, Harrogate, Fountains abbey, Bolton priory, and several places of interest in their vicinity (via Haithi Trust) |date=1851 |publisher=W. Harrison |location=Ripon |page=96 |edition=5th |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044081226714&view=1up&seq=108 |access-date=11 February 2020}} (A written description of Hackfall as it was in the mid-19th century) Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest in North Yorkshire Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest notified in 1989 Category:Landscape architecture Category:Forests and woodlands of North Yorkshire Category:Grewelthorpe Category:Grade I listed parks and gardens in North Yorkshire --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Hack Fall Wood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hack_Fall_Wood) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hack_Fall_Wood?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.