Greyfield Wood was mined for coal around 1610 and again from 1833 -1911. Map evidence shows that part of the site was wooded during and between mining operations and has been under continuous canopy since C1860. A conifer plantation was likely established in order to supply pit props or similar. The ground flora on the southern and eastern slopes includes numerous ancient woodland species and much of the wood is carpeted in bluebells in the spring. Situated on sandstone and coal deposits, the wood is unusual for the area being on acidic soils supporting plant communities that are unusual within the region. The Forestry Commission were the preceding woodland owners, and the wood was planted with mixed broadleaves and conifers from 1915-1965. The Woodland Trust took on ownership in 1998.
Source - Woodland Trust website
