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The forest was planted by Manchester Corporation and local residents
beginning in 1953 and was, therefore, Manchester’s first true community
forest. Prior to 1953 the land had been grazed and tree cover was very
limited. In 1953 the forest was replanted as a community forest. It
commemorated the Queen’s coronation and also the local people who
gave their lives in the Second World War.
The area has had woodland on it since the Norman Conquest in 1066
when wild boar and deer roamed and eagles flew above.
During World War II (1939-1945) many trees were felled to provide fuel.
The forest is a Site of Biological Importance.
beginning in 1953 and was, therefore, Manchester’s first true community
forest. Prior to 1953 the land had been grazed and tree cover was very
limited. In 1953 the forest was replanted as a community forest. It
commemorated the Queen’s coronation and also the local people who
gave their lives in the Second World War.
The area has had woodland on it since the Norman Conquest in 1066
when wild boar and deer roamed and eagles flew above.
During World War II (1939-1945) many trees were felled to provide fuel.
The forest is a Site of Biological Importance.
Forest Management
40 years after the first tree was planted the site had become a valuable community and wildlife resource supporting a
range of habitats. There had been little in the way of co-ordinated and practical management of the area. The
woodlands and associated habitats urgently required management, access arrangements needed improving and
interpretation and education facilities needed developing.
For these reasons a fully integrated woodland management plan was prepared for presentation to Manchester City
Council.
The forest was made into a Local Nature Reserve in June 2005 by English Nature and Manchester City Council.
To download more information on the history of land use and management in the forest, click the links below:
Land Use & Management History [Page 1]
Land Use & Management History [Page 2]
Click here to go back to 'About the Forest'.