Dave Barlow © Cleveland Naturalists’ Field Club. 7th April 2024

 

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Flora of Rifts Wood



1. RIFTS WOOD.


This lies between the bungalow situated  in the Valley gardens and Marske Mill Lane.  It consists of two distinct areas.  Nearest to the bungalow is an area of mature mixed deciduous woodland comprising Sycmores, Ash, Beech and Oak.  A few dead or dying Elms, affected by dutch Elm disease, remain but recently most of these trees have been removed.  This had left areas of bare ground within the woodland but new trees are being planted to replace them.  Areas not affected have a thick undergrowth of scrub and in late spring the ground in places is covered with masses of Ramsons (Allium ursinum).  Many ferns are found here including the Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum) and Hart’s-tongue (Phylitis scolopendrium)


3. MARSKE MILL & THE AREA BEYOND THE VIADUCT.


Marske Mill was excavated in 1987 and the surrounding area levelled and grassed over.  This area is not regularly mown.  Since the leat near the mill was excavated a number of interesting moisture-loving plants have been found in this area.  There are a number of Plum trees near the beck which are obviously relics of the time when the mill was being used.  Early photographs and postcards from the beginning of the century show a pleasant avenue ot trees down Marske Mill Lane but apart from two Horse chestnuts none of these is left.  There are two meadows at the side of the lane.  The one above the mill on the edge of Rifts Wood used to be rich in meadow plants but is now regularly cut.  The other meadow beneath the viaduct has sadly been neglected.  This is because repairs have had to be done to the viaduct.  Until this happened it was regularly grazed by horses.  It has become very overgrown with docks and rough grasses much to the detriment of other plants in the meadow but there are plans to improve this area.


Beyond the viaduct are the towering cliffs of Jackdaw Crag and the weir.  Moisture seeps its way down the crag and the opposite bank, into the valley below, giving rise to thick carpets of mosses and ferns and other moisture-loving plants.  Indian Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) flourishes here.  It was introduced some years ago to this country and has gradually spread.  This is now spreading rapidly along the whole of Skelton Beck.


Going up the steps towards Skelton is a hillside on which were many beech trees.  Unfortunately in recent years many of these have died or been blown over in recent storms.  As a result of this new trees have been planted in this area.


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Unlike a number of other woodlands in East Cleveland this valley in Victorian times was developed as pleasure grounds for the enjoyment of the people of Saltburn and visitors to the area.  Since its establishment in 1862 the valley has fulfilled that purpose.  Over the years the woods and gardens have been used to provide entertainment for the public and by careful management a unique collection of wild flowers, trees and shrubs has become established as well as those to be seen in the more formal gardens.


The whole valley has one of the richest floras in Cleveland.  It is difficult to differentiate between those plants that are truly wild and those which were planted many years ago and have now become established as part of the flora of this area.  Plants and shrubs in the flower beds have been omitted from these lists but any interesting plants that have obviously been part of this flora for many years have been included.  These include such plants as Monkshood, London Pride, Winter Heliotrope, Himalayan Honeysuckle and Abraham-Issac-Jacob.


The purpose of this survey has been to establish just what plants are to be found in the valley and the type of flora to be found in each area.  From time to time schemes are put forward to improve or change the nature of the Valley Gardens.  It is important that these changes are not to the detriment of the unique flora and fauna that has developed here in the last hundred years or so.



Sketch map of Rifts Wood and Marske Mill Saltburn Areas 2 & 3