The wood was originally used by Skipton Castle primarily for hunting and fishing, although during the 18th and 19th centuries, the wood was also used to provide timber, building stone and water.[1] The timber and stone was moved out of the wood via Springs Canal (a small branch off the Leeds and Liverpool Canal). The water was obtained by damming Eller Beck to form Long Dam, which in turn fed a small reservoir called Round Dam, also known as Mill Dam or Mill Pond. The water was used to power the former sawmill and corn mill located by the castle. Public access to the wood was first allowed by the owners of the castle in the late 19th century.[2] When the woods were purchased by a private concern in 1966, they were closed until May 1971, when public access was granted again. The woods were leased to the Woodland Trust in October 1991.[3][4]
The 36.77-acre (14.88 ha) woods have the Eller Beck flowing through them, which connects to the River Aire and are accessible from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.[5] The woods are also the starting point for Lady Anne's Way.[4][6]
.svg)
