Manningham Woods

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Manningham Wood is located in the parish of Illogan.

This mature woodland was originally planted in the 1700s for the owners of Manningham House. It had fallen into disuse until in October 2004 it was reopened as Manningham Community Woodland, by Lady Mary Holborrow.

It consists of native and non-native broad leaved deciduous trees and shrubs.
The woodland is managed for the native trees and plants and not for the exotic species which remained from when the woods were part of Manningham House’s ornamental gardens.

The woodland was originally a semi-natural plantation as evidenced by the presence of non-native exotic species. It has a well-established high canopy, providing shaded areas and thinner canopy with lighter areas for native plants such as bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

The public have access to Manningham Wood at all times.

There are designated paths through the wood. The site is generally level and is popular with dog walkers and leisure walkers. It has disabled access with a RADAR key at the main entrance to the woodland and is wheelchair-friendly throughout. The surfaced paths are pram and buggy friendly.

Benches, information signs, a nature trail and carvings located around the wood.

Decaying woodpiles are left throughout the woodland for small mammals and invertebrates. The woodland is managed with wildlife in mind. All felled wood remains within the woodland in piles or as logs or slices to provide shelter for small mammals and reptiles as well as food for invertebrates. These, in turn, feed the mammals and small birds found throughout the site. No chemicals are used within the woodland. Fungi and invertebrates thrive. Hazel and Hawthorn have been planted to increase the autumn food sources for wildlife.

The biodiversity of the woodland is maintained by the planting of native trees and bulbs and the replacement of felled trees with saplings and nest boxes.

In 2007 the Community Woodland was joined to the Churchyard with a new path, and the whole village came out to celebrate its opening which was marked at the village Feast Day.

The local community has been involved with the woodland since the beginning. They have participated in community events, activities including tree and bulb planting, litter-picking, bracken-bashing, willow-planting, nature walks, environmental art competitions and general maintenance.

Books online:
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