One of three unnamed watercourses on the development site. This one is rich in biodiversity and the habitat is connected by a hedgerow running to Dogloitch Wood. The Church of England Ecologists claim this watercourse is dried up and choked with weeds following a survey after the 2022 heatwave and drought. For most of the year the water is crystal clear and free-flowing. Frequented by Jay, Buzzard, GS Woodpecker, Roe Deer, Brown Hare, Rabbit, Red Fox and many more species.
One of the main breeding territories for the Skylarks. These Red Listed, ground-nesting, birds will be permanently displaced at a District Level if development goes ahead. Skylarks live for 2 years and can have up to four broods in one nesting season. They have likely nested on these fields for centuries. They are known for their song-flight – rising almost vertically from the farmland, hovering at great height and singing constantly for up to an hour before descending.
A popular thoroughfare for humans and wildlife alike. The Dogloitch Watercourse emerges from underground as you reach the treeline – crystal-clear and looking good enough to drink! A great spot to see all kinds of bird-life as you look into the wood from the path.
Dogloitch Wood is truly ancient – in 1309 the Landowner, Lord Savile, requested the thinning of the woods at Chidsal. 700 years ago the woods needed cutting back! All these years in blissful isolation has resulted in a woodland rich in biodiversity and thriving with wildlife.
The Dogloitch Watercourse, along with the one on the Gawthorpe side, feeds directly into Hey Beck. Hey Beck is abundant with wildlife. In particular with Schedule 1 Kingfishers. These unpolluted, interconnected waterways are the foundation of the wildlife on and around the site.
As you exit Dogloitch you have a chance to spot the Barn Owl, Grey Heron, Red Kite or Buzzard. Lapwings can be seen flying over the fields – one of our most endangered bird species.
A mosaic of fields, connected by hedgerows and part of the Kirklees Wildlife Habitat Network. This is Yellowhammer territory! Roe Deer can be seen moving between the woodlands if you are lucky.
Dum Wood is the second of the Chidsal Woods thinned in 1309 for Lord Savile. A truly Ancient Woodland. Home to some of our most secretive wildlife species due to its dense undergrowth.
Look up and you may be lucky enough to spot the Red Kite or the Buzzards.
