History of the Moss Valley




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		History of the Moss Valley

The land surrounding the Moss Valley woodlands has long been used by and modified by man. Many of the local place names are of Anglo-Saxon origin with suffixes such as ley, leah, or ton. The earliest mention of the manor of Norton was in 1002 when it was left to Wulfric of Ufegeat, a Saxon noble. The woodlands fell within the area of Norton manor at this time. The Beauchief Abbey was founded by Robert Fitz Ranulph, Lord of Alfreton and Norton around 1183 and owned the woodlands at this time. The Abbey was found some miles away in present day South Sheffield. In the medieval period the woods were managed by the inhabitants of Hazelbarrow Farm and iron smelting, and coal mining may have occurred in the area.

	The exploitation of coal seems to have ceased by the late medieval period and was replaced by woodland management. From the mid 15th century the area was mainly used for timber with much woodland management taking place. Evidence shows that timber industry played an important part in the economy of Norton at the time. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries the woodlands were used mainly for coppice wood. Charcoal was produced in the woodlands and was used in the local metal industries. Remains of Charcoal pits have been found in many locations, for example in Owler Carr woods. Following its management as coppice for white coal production the woodland was greatly modified by the planting of beech, sycamore and sweet chestnut during the latter parts of the 19th and early 20th century. No major woodland work has been conducted in the previous 40 years. Today the woods are surrounded by a predominantly agricultural landscape. The woodland is mainly used for recreation such as dog walking and horse riding. It is a popular site for local nature lovers.

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