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Location Dean Wood lies north of Rivington village along the valley of Dean Brook. There is a public footpath along the northern edge of the wood which leaves Dean Head lane near Wilcocks' Farm. All the important features within Dean Wood can easily be observed from the footpath, and the Trust would therefore be grateful if this fragile and precipitous nature reserve could be left undisturbed. |
Access Any access to the nature reserve requires a permit. Applications should be made in writing to the voluntary nature reserve manager, via the Trust. Status This 5 ha reserve has been managed by the Wildlife Trust under licence from United Utilities plc. since 1981. |
Dean Wood
Nearest town: Chorley, Horwich
Grid reference: SD 629153, Landranger 109, Explorer 287
Dean Wood is an impressive site. This deep, narrow, wooded clough is typical of those found on the West Pennine Moors. The lack of undisturbed wooded valleys in the local area and the relatively unspoilt nature of Dean Wood means it is a special haven for wildlife.
From the public footpath, you can see that most of the reserve is woodland made up of sessile oak with ash, beech, birch, rowan and sycamore. There is also a small stand of Scots pine. Shrub species such as hazel, holly, elder, alder, hawthorn, honeysuckle, grey willow, blackberry. dog-rose and raspberry occur on this reserve.
The mosses and liverworts characteristic of woodland grow on rocks, bark and soil giving the site a unique appearance especially in winter. In addition, Dean Wood has an unusually rich variety of flora for the West Pennines area perhaps because it has experienced relatively little disturbance for many decades.
69 species of bird have been recorded on site many of which are known to breed in the wood. Careful management work and the quiet nature of the reserve have encouraged the development of a range of species associated with western oak woodland. This range is extended by the hedge and developing woodland at the eastern end of the reserve.
