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History
The surrounding area was once 4000 acres of common land under the ownership
of nearby Kirton Manor. Morton Carr known as the wet woodland area at Owlet,
was first recorded in court proceedings in the 14th century. The wet alder
woodland is therefore ancient woodland in the truest sense, whereas the rest
of the property was a mix of wood pasture and open heath. Many of the scattered
ancient oak and pine trees on site date back several centuries: so within
the relatively modern birchwood lies an historic landscape dating back to
the middle ages.
With its poor soils, Owlet escaped agricultural improvement and Victorian
tree planting (which largely failed), although much of the surrounding heath
was lost. Birch, which dominates much of the site today, stems from the widespread
regeneration of scattered trees in the 1960’s following the decimation
of rabbit numbers through disease.
Current management is focussing on the preservation and extension of the
old heath/wood pasture elements.
Trees and Flora
The main tree species are silver birch, scots pine, alder and oak which
form a complex pattern with the open heath areas.
The alder dominated wet carr area is a distinct ancient woodland community
with a ground flora of dense ferns and mosses.
An important population of stunted but ancient oaks and pines are set within
the matrix of birch, dating back centuries. This overlies a sparse, dry heath
vegetation which is predominantly mossy with sheep’s sorrel, heathland
grasses, sand sedge and areas of lichen with sparse regeneration of heather.
Fauna
Rabbits were formerly abundant and are a major influence on the ecology
of the site.
Birds include nuthatch, green and great spotted woodpecker and other common
woodland species. Woodlark regularly feed on site and occasionally it is hunted
over by Buzzard and Hen Harrier. There is a rich plethora of invertebrates
with several damselflies, hornets and 16 species of butterfly recorded including
brimstone, purple hairstreak, small copper and ringlet. Many spiders can be
seen.
Directions
Take the A159 from Scunthorpe via Messingham, Scotter and into Blyton.
As you leave Blyton take a right turn. At the junction turn left towards Holme
Farm and Owlet Plantation car park is on the right.
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