From Yew, continue south-east, bear right and follow round to the info point and the gate back to the parking. On the way is a bowl on the left with the remains of a big ash tree.
A brief history of the wood
Historically managed as a coppice. Species variety indicates the area has had woodland over a very long term if not always so. Historical references are few, only oral history and some small reference in the black file of 1950 woodland information by the Strickland . There are signs of charcoal pitsteads in the wood but these seem few in number when compared to similar sized areas in more Lake District woods.There are signs of timber felling having taken place during both the First and Second World Wars, this is backed up by oral evidence and visual evidence of oak stumps. Some timber was also felled here in the coppice clearances for planting in the 1960's. The woodland was extensively felled during the early 1940's and this is probably when the timber was taken out. The larger untouched hazel stocks in the wood date back to re-growth of this period.
In the late 1950's the last coppice products were sold from the wood, except for some firewood and a small number of net stakes for the Flookburgh fishermen up to the ending of the clearings in 1973. The late 50's produce was birch for the brush factory in Kendal. These were turned into brush heads. Firewood and ash rails were sold locally. Fish net stakes were cut in a small way as they had to be perfectly straight for use on the Bay. These were cut mainly from hazel. Oral history says that much of the coppice from here was used for turnery, ship's fenders and pea sticks etc. All that was left at the end were a few pieces of twigs.
You will pass a few basic shelters, made a few years ago by Levens School, feel free to add to them!
Thanks to Sam, NT Ranger at Sizergh, for permission for placing these caches. Don't forget to visit the NT caches nearby.
Hope you enjoy your trip to Brigsteer Park Woods.