Woodland area
The proposed area is to the rear of Hilda Grove and is 57.500 metre sq. It is an area described as 'poor semi-improved grassland' in appendix 5 of Stockport Council's Reddish Vale Country Park Management Plan. After the land has been re-profiled to allow the MTB tracks and pathways to be constructed, it will be planted with young trees. These will grow, over time, until a mature woodland is established.
Providing a new habitat for wildlife by means of a woodland also has the effect of covering the bike trails. This way the trails will not be seen from outside the woods. Even inside the wood they will be desigend to blend in with the surroundings.
The design is to reflect the look of the railway 'bonkings' that are already situated within the Vale, thus maintaining the 'feel' of the Vale. It is unlikely that a woodland could be established on the land in its current condition due to the boggy, wet nature of it. The bonkings (hilly terrain) will provide provide suitable, well drained land for the tree roots to grow in.
This will transform an area unuseable by local people into a useable area. It will have the effect of actually attracting people and wildlife into the Vale!
Depending on requirements a broadleaf woodland could be planted or a woodland not currently present in the vale such as a woodland consisting of coniferous trees (Firs / Pines etc.)
