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A leisurely stroll through leafy summer shade, brisk winter walks amid frosty undergrowth, spectacular vibrant colours of an autumn afternoon. Stanney Woods is a place for all seasons.
Circular routes lead through this area of ancient dense woodland, providing a retreat to be enjoyed by all ages.
Specially constructed footpaths provide easy walking and are suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
An ideal place for relaxation, family outings and picnics.
Wildlife
Stanney Woods is a thriving but hidden world of animal life. Much of it is small and active only after dark.
This ancient semi-natural wet woodland has been in existence since at least 1600 and is home to oak and birch wood with a hazel understory. It has a healthy fern population only found in the wetter woods of western Britain.
Take your children to see the active grey squirrels. There is always the possibility of a chance spotting of our resident foxes, which live on smaller rodents, insects, earthworms or berries, of which there is an abundance.
Smaller mammals include bank and field voles, shrews, field mice and of course, bats which have suffered a sharp decline recently in Britain. Inspect the ground and undergrowth closely and you will discover a network of pathways and tunnels.
Seek a sunny glade and follow the spectacular dances of the speckled wood and holly blue butterflies defending their territories.
Birdlife
Listen out for the tapping of the great spotted woodpecker, the hoarse shout of the jay and rattle of the mistle thrush. Watch out for the small wren and tree creeper quickly disappearing up the side of the majestic oaks.
History
Originally the woods were one of four Crown Forests of Cheshire. The surrounding land was farmed by the monks of Stanlaw Abbey. The Wirral Forest was reserved for hunting and field sports with the wood utilised for making tools and building materials for small settlements.
The crown's interest in forests declined in 1640. Great Stanney was sold to the Bunbury family who would have used the timber for the following demands:
Recreation
Today the woodland is important not only for wildlife but for enhancing the landscape and quiet recreation. Stanney Woods provides a circular walk of 30 minutes to an hour. Its surface is easy to walk on and wide access points provide entry for wheelchairs and prams.
