Improvement project

We’re creating a masterplan for improvements to Dixon Scar Woods
to make it more accessible for people and a better habitat for wildlife

The Masterplan

The Friends of Dixon Scar Woods, working with Groundwork Yorkshire, have developed a master plan vision for how the site can be improved, with a focus on access to and around the woods.

Our masterplan is a vision for the woods that we will be able to use to seek funding.

VIEW THE PDF

We need your views

We need your views on these ideas as part of this process. What do you think of the vision? What would you prioritise? What might be missing?

Consultation meeting

Join us at 7pm on the 19th October at Sowerby Bridge Cricket Club, Walton St or let us know what you think using the feedback form below.

Key points from the masterplan…

  • Improvements to footpaths within the site, including an accessible loop around the lower area and new steps up to the woods.
  • Reusing rock from the quarries on the site to create new seating areas, natural stone information boards, picnic area and natural play features.
  • Gateway features to make the woods more welcoming, and re-sited, vandal-proof litter bins
  • Improve quarry to promote heritage of site by including from existing developing sculture trail and make feature of historic crane base to create viewpoint
  • Woodland management and replanting, to open up views and improve habitat
  • Potential to develop bike track area to other sporting use, such as a pump track.

Questions?

We think the woods are a beautiful place but some of the paths are crumbling away and it isn’t very usable for people with pushchairs or poor mobility. We want to improve the facilities so more people can enjoy the space – but we also want to make sure it remains natural and habitats are improved.

We’re at a very early stage – we need a plan for the woods so that we can start working with partners like Calderdale Council, the Sowerby Bridge Development Board and Active Calderdale to find funding.

You can send your comments to info@dixonscar.org.uk or you can come along to one of our meetings. Future meetings will be advertised on this site as well as the Friends of Dixon Scar Wood facebook group.

Most of the site is owned by Calderdale Council though some is owned by Network Rail. Parts are also leased out to the Hollins Park Trust for playing sport. As our ideas develop we will need to work with those organisations to get their support.

Give your feedback

Please let us know what you think of the ideas put forward on the masterplan. This will help us create a more detailed set of proposals. When that’s done there will be more opportunities to comment.