# data[].attributes.body
My first site visit in the company of the Friends of the Crags community group was marred by heavy rain, which made making field notes very difficult. Fortunately I was able to take a few photographs to record my initial impressions. We were guided around by Friends of the Crags volunteers, who also provided background information on the site.

The site is notably sloping downhill to the northwest. Access from Longstone Crescent is via relatively steep paths surfaced with aggregate. Arriving from this direction, on the most northerly path, the view into the site is blocked by a large pile of soil and other vegetation, reportedly dumped by neighbours. This both reduces sight lines and harbours weed-containing material, and ideally should be removed. Although I would recommend that something substantial be planted in its place to discourage further tipping.

There are several examples of where tree roots are helping to stabilise the slope, especially where footpaths are causing further erosion. Following this example, I would suggest that trees are a particularly appropriate means of stabilising any sloping ground that is identified as potentially problematic.

# data[].attributes.body
The upper footpath heading southwest through the site.

# data[].attributes.body
An all but sheer drop exists in the southwestern portion of the site and there are currently no safety features in place. If this site is to encourage more visitors then making this safe should be a priority. My suggestion would be to plant a native hedge with a mixture of species chosen for their habitat value, including field maple, hazel, blackthorn and hawthorn. If a hedge is planted early on in the site development then it will have chance to establish and actually function as an effective barrier.

# data[].attributes.body
Although the mixed broadleaf woodland on site is not considered ancient it does contain a few notable coppiced oaks that are many decades old – a closer look is needed. Sadly a large example has recently been set on fire. It would require a proper assessment to see what damage this has caused, however a simple investigation next spring would establish whether any limbs fail to produce leaves. Promoting the ecological importance of these oaks should be a project priority.

The woodland also includes some large sycamores, various hawthorns, willow, birch, holly and the occasional yew. Unfortunately Norway maple has started to take hold, especially where garden waste has been dumped, and I would suggest that removing this is one of the key priorities, as it has the potential to displace native trees and plants. It has been suggested that a mature Norway maple is growing on the site boundary – this needs confirming – and represents a problem going forward as it will continue to self-seed liberally.

Woodland in the lowest portion of the site, which we did not visit on the day, is dominated by willow and is reported to have springs running through it. Wet woodland is a BAP priority habitat and we could look to possibly improve or extend this this area using specific funding.

# data[].attributes.body
A coppiced oak that has been set on fire.

# data[].attributes.body
Bracken has spread across the open space that once included many heather and gorse bushes. It is being actively managed by the Council's Parks & Countryside (P&C) service. Herbicide spraying took place sometime between 2017-2018 and has reduced its height and impact. We need to establish the extent of the management plan for this species and what areas of the site are included. It might well be that there is a plan to allow the heath to regenerate naturally but we could accelerate this though the planting of appropriate heathland species.

Not unexpectedly bramble spreads across much of the site. At least one footpath (it could be a desire line – this needs checking) has been lost to the spread of scrub dominated by bramble. It might well be desirable to remove some of this to make space for other planting. Bramble is, however, an important habitat and food source, so any removal must be carefully considered and done in consultation with the P&C.

There are the remains of a brick-built building on site that is associated with the area's mining heritage. As we do not know much about this structure, including its age and whether it has protected status, I have suggested that the Friends of the Crags approach local historical groups to find out more detail.

# data[].attributes.body
Norway maple leaves turn a distinctive yellow in autumn.

# data[].attributes.body
Litter picking has taken place over the summer of 2018 and Friends of the Crags members report that litter is not as bad as it used to be. Although people are still bringing rubbish to the site and burning it. One of the solutions to this has already been discussed: the addition of barriers or kissing gates to exclude motor bikes. This may well reduce disabled access so would need to be discussed with the surrounding community. There is a residential care home for the elderly next to the site but there is little evidence that any of the residents use the location. Might this change? They should definitely be consulted during the development of plans.

Regarding the setting of fires, some are caused by local youths who are already known to residents. Rather than preventing them from having fires on site - I think this would be fruitless - it might be better to design an area where they can have fires safely. This would ideally be designed in consultation with those causing the problem – perhaps this outreach could be done through schools.