Friends
of Mag Wood
CONTACT FOMW:
John Avison, 8 Club Houses, Armitage Bridge, Huddersfield HD4 7NU
Email: mag_woodsman@yahoo.co.uk
Advice
ONE of the first things Friends of Mag Wood considered after its formation was the introduction of a series of four seasonal walks - spring, summer, autumn and winter - as a way of welcoming people to the beauty and fascination of the local woodland.
​
These seasonal walks always start in the car park of the Bridgewood Trust (main Brooke's Mill) car park at the junction of Bank Foot Lane and Armitage Bridge Road, Armitage Bridge.

It is not possible, sadly, to cater for wheelchair users.

Though a good number of our friends are dog-walkers, we would ask that no pets come with us on the walk, because one of the main objectives is to spot as much wildlife as we can without disturbing it. The same applies to young children, for whom special events will soon be organised.
​
Mag Wood has been allowed to revert to its natural state for many years. As a result, its footpaths are root-strewn, stony and muddy. Our advice would be to wear stout footwear whatever the weather on the day.
​
The walk will be cancelled if there are high winds. Branches and even trees can come down in gales and it's not worth the risk.

Mag Wood is very popular with dog walkers. The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 exempts dog owners from cleaning up after their animals in woodland, agricultural and rural common land. We would hope that since only about 2% of Mag Wood's area is recognised footpath, dog owners would behave responsibly and oblige their animals to excrete off the paths. This is not always the case: so watch where you walk, and remember also that the wood is traversed by a footpath much used by horses …
Try to dress inconspicuously. Browns, greys and greens are good. Birds and animals interpret strong 'unnatural' colours as danger signals. They will also disappear if they hear loud (threatening) noises, so go quietly. Stick close to your guide, so you don't force him/her to speak loudly either.




Many wildlife sightings in woodland can last mere seconds. If you have cameras, recording equipment and/or binoculars, keep them to hand ready for immediate use.

Nobody likes do's and don'ts, but it's good to stick to the Woodland Code. Stay on to the paths. It's safer, and reduces the risk of erosion - and damage to yourselves and the woodland.

Killing, injuring or even scaring the wildlife, whatever you might think of creatures like squirrels and wood-pigeons, is OUT. So is disturbing nests, dreys and other habitats.

Don't damage ANYTHING you find in the woods - trees, plants, paths and walls. Taking anything away from the wood, like plants, stone or humus, is OUT. It's OK, on the other hand, to take the occasional dead twig, leaf, cone or nut for souvenirs or samples, but obviously not on an industrial scale. In spring, especially, DON'T pick the bluebells. Countless colonies have been damaged or destroyed by the attitude 'Just one armful can't be harmful.' Yes it can.

Discarded food and sweet wrappers, bottles and cans are often found in Mag Wood. Please don't make this any worse. Whatever you bring into the wood, take it away with you when you leave. In fact, why not take away something someone else has dropped?

Finally, why not register as a Friend of Mag Wood and get occasional updates on what is planned for the woodlands in terms of events or action? You are not committed to be involved in any way unless you want to be.
CONTACT FOMW:
John Avison, 8 Club Houses, Armitage Bridge, Huddersfield HD4 7NU
Email: mag_woodsman@yahoo.co.uk