Saltburn Valley Gardens Woodland Centre
The Woodland Centre can be found at the end of the Valley Gardens and acts as a link through to Rifts Wood. The ranger, responsible for the Valley, is based at the Woodland Centre in which the story of the valley is told through leaflets, displays, events and school visits. There are many circular walks leaflets available from the centre through the valley, coast and through Saltburn Gill, a Local Nature Reserve which is managed by Tees Valley Wildlife Trust. The centre can also act as an information gateway to the wider countryside.
Valley Views
Spring seems to have well and truly sprung with the valley bursting into life everywhere you look.
The early spring flowers are in full bloom carpeting the valley with a rich tapestry of colours. There are around 1700 species of wild flowers in the British Isles. They have been used for centuries as medicines and food and there are many traditions and stories involving wild flowers.
One of the first plants to flower is the yellow coltsfoot. It is so eager to flower that it does not wait for its leaves to form; they appear later. It is the hoof-like leaves that give the plant it's name. This plant was used to 'drive away coughs'. The plants parachute-like seeds need only the slightest of breezes to keep them airborne.
The Daisy is a very pretty flower whose attractions often get overlooked because it is so common. It's name comes from 'day's eye' as it opens in the daytime, but it actually needs bright sunshine to open. Its genius for survival is supported by its flat leaves which spread too close to the ground for animals to eat or mowers to cut.
The yellow flower carpeting the woodland floor is Lesser Celandine. The poet William Wordsworth praised the flower as shining 'bright as the sun itself'. The roots were traditionally used in an infusion effective for curing haemorrhoids!
The white Wood Anemone also carpets the woodland floor with drooping flowers responding immediately to the sun and raising their heads, petals wide, to take it all in, only to close again as soon as a cloud appears or evening comes.
Everybody remembers holding a Buttercup under their chin to see if they liked butter. The flowers rubbed on a cow's udder were thought to improve the milk; however, this is far from the truth. Buttercups are in fact poisonous and cattle avoid eating them. You will also remember being told you would 'wee the bed' if you picked a Dandelion. This is closer to the truth as they are used medicinally to clear up urinary problems. Leaves may be eaten in a salad and the roots can be dried,ground and roasted to make coffee. Its toothed leaves give the plant its name - a corruption of the French dent de lion, lion's tooth.
Although not yet in flower Ramsons (commonly called wild garlic) are covering the woodland floor. Already if you accidentally step on a plant you will be hit by their strong scent.
Everybody should be able to enjoy the joy of seeing wild flowers in our countryside and it is important to not be tempted to pick any and to take them home. By law you must never uproot a wild plant without the landowner's permission and many plants are protected from any form of disturbance. Remember no picked flower will ever produce seed. try to disturb wild flower environments as little as possible; many plants are damaged as much by having their leaves trampled as being picked and uprooted.
As well as enjoying the spring flowers if you are down in the valley a great way to relax is to find a spot
in the woodland, sit down and listen to nature's chorus. this is the best time of year to listen to bird song,
with the male birds singing to attract a mate and defend their territories. Combine the bird song with
the gentle breeze in the trees and the rushing of water in the beck and you will soon be feeling totally
relaxed. As good as a spa treatment and totally free.
The Woodland Centre also has an active 'Friends of the Valley' group; members are involved in many aspects of the centre including fundraising, running events such as the 'Pageant of Light', and many other activities. If you would like more information about the group please feel free to call us for more information.
Keith Ferry
Countryside officer, Woodland Centre
Practical day tasks for anyone wishing to volunteer continue every Friday from 10.00am until 3.00pm - anyone wishing for more information should contact the Woodland Centre on 01287 622408
Site Location:
Saltburn Valley Woodland Centre, Valley Gardens, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 1GG
NZ 666208. Access is off the A174 in Saltburn. Pedestrian access from Glenside and Albion Terrace.
Postal Address:
C/o Saltburn T.I.C., c/o Saltburn Library, Windsor Road, TS12 1JW
Opening times:
Sunday - Friday 9am - 4pm, closed Saturdays. The centre may be closed if the ranger is working out on site, telephone for more details. Out of hours visits, including Saturdays, can be arranged.
Parking:
There is limited disabled parking available near to the Woodland Centre, please ring prior to using this parking facility. Public parking is available at Cat Nab car park at the sea front. Saltburn is connected to most local towns through the bus and train network. Please telephone 0870 6082608 for more public transport information.
Path surfaces and gradients:
Rifts Wood: the path surface is compacted earth and stone and is rough, wet and uneven in places. Gradients are steep. There are steps but these can be avoided.
Valley Gardens: most paths are surfaced with tarmac and although gradients vary there are some near level routes. Occasionally paths can flood.
Miniature Railway
please telephone Saltburn TIC 01287 622422 for details or visit the website.
Things to do:
- An events programme aimed at all ages is run throughout the year. View events list.
- The Centre has an excellent bird viewing area and a sheltered seating area should the weather deteriorate.
- The Centre has both permanent and changing display panels, including a display telling the history of the valley.
- Environmental Education service, talks and slide shows, for schools and groups (please telephone for further details).
- There is a permanent orienteering course in the Valley Gardens.
- There is a leaflet available looking at Marske Mill, the ruins of which can be found on site near the viaduct.
- The Woodland centre runs a Nature Club for 8-12 year olds. Please phone for more details.
