Keep our legends alive, many of our oldest trees have no real legal protection, we must act now!
Stephen Wood, located to the south of the proposed development, forms the north-western section of the area of woodland knows as the Upper Dearne Woods; it is an area of both ecological and historic significance, certain to be affected by this proposal. Once owned by the Wentworths of Bretton Hall, the site is designated ancient woodland, with records (shown below) dating back to the mid-18th century showing wooded land; registered with a tree preservation order, it is within the South Kirklees green belt. Recent studies have found the woods to be a site of archaeological significance, with remains of a suspected medieval water mill, as well as a neolithic arrowhead discovered in the area.
