Matlock Woods

Also within

Derbyshire County

Condition (Natural England)

Habitats

Ancient woodland

Geology & landscape

Rock Type: Limestone

Description

Area, 18.45 ha. 46.6 ac. Description Matlock Woods are one of the best examples in Derbyshire and the Peak District of ash elm woodland with their typical association of shrubs and ground flora. The age, structure and species composition of these woods strongly suggests that they are a remnant although modified of the ancient woodland cover of the limestone dales. They are particularly important for having the largest population in the area of the two native lime trees, small leaved lime Tilia cordata and large leaved lime Tilia platyphyllos. These trees occur both as true species and as a wide range of naturally occurring hybrids. The age variation is also very wide, some of the limes being over 200 years old. Lime occurs largely on the steepest slopes particularly on cliffs and among limestone outcrops and is frequently associated with yew Taxus baccata. Wild service tree Sorbus torminalis, an uncommon species in Derbyshire, has been known from Hagg Wood since1860. The ground flora includes a number of locally uncommon species notably stinking hellebore Helleborus foetidus, Solomon’s seal Polygonatum multiflorum and wood fescue Festuca altissima.

Species mentioned