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Witch
Wood was part of Lytham Hall grounds until the South
Park housing estate was developed in the 1960s. The
remaining derelict woodland along the north side of
the railway was gifted to the Civic Society for development
as a woodland walk. A strip of land, some 40 ft wide,
was leased from British Rail (now Network Rail), to
provide a continuous walk from Ansdell to Lytham.
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Click the
above image to see a larger map |
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The
wood was named after a favourite Clifton family horse,
the Witch, which is thought to be buried there. Look for
the gravestone. The Society cleared the undergrowth and
introduced paths, and the woodland was opened to the public
by Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1974.
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| Witch
Wood is protected by a tree preservation order and part
is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Advice and grants
are obtained from the Forestry Commission, and invasive
sycamore and elm are being cut back and replaced by indigenous
English species such as oak, beech, ash, horse chestnut,
birch and rowan. The wood is a haven for wild life, and
some dead wood is left to rot to provide a habitat for
insects and hence provide food for birds. |
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improvements have been made to the wood since 2003 and
we are grateful for contributions to the costs from the
Lancashire Environmental Fund, the Green Partnership,
The Woodland Grant scheme of the Forestry Commission,
the John Slater Foundation, members' donations and a recent
legacy from Mrs Jan Hughes. |
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The
Civic Society owns most of the wood and it continues to
pay rent for the remainder, in order to provide the pathway
which starts at Lytham bridge. The Civic Society is wholly
responsible for maintenance of the wood, with most of
the work undertaken by a small but dedicated group of
volunteers. |
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The
amenity is provided for the benefit of the community,
and it is hoped that users will help to keep it in good
order. We ask all users to show respect both for the
natural surroundings and to other users of the wood.
- Please
do not leave litter
- Please
clean up after your dogs and use the bins at each
entrance
- Please
do not pick the flowers; let everyone enjoy them
- Please
do not cycle; the paths are for walkers.
If
you would like to help the wood in any way, please contact
us via the email address given on the home page of the
website.
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