SKIPTON Castle Woods, in normal times, are a very popular, peaceful place for both residents and visitors - not to mention the birds and wildlife that have made the woodland their home.

Now managed by the Woodland Trust, the ancient woodland remains open for health and wellbeing during the coronavirus lockdown, but for town dwellers only, and with a strict one way system in place - so its easier to observe Government social distancing rules.

Skipton Castle itself, and its car park, is completely closed until further notice.

Its current owner, Sebastian Fattorini, Lord of the Honour of Skipton Castle, says the woods were purchased by Skipton Castle Ltd in 1966, but it was several years before they were opened to the public and eventually being leased to the Woodland Trust.

“The Castle Woods were purchased by Skipton Castle Ltd in Feb 1966 but were kept closed to the public as there was a big task in reinstating the water courses - the long and round dams - as well as adding paths and bridges along and over Eller beck.

“They were then opened to the public in agreement with Skipton Urban District Council in May 1971, and in October 1991 the woods were then leased to the Woodland Trust. “

Over Easter, 1968, castle workmen replaced the old footbridge over Eller Beck from the canal towpath. Wilfred Fattorini took these pictures of the work taking place, and the two men on the bridge itself - ‘Clifford and Harold’ during and after the work had been finished.

The woodland, hidden behind the castle, one of the most best preserved medieval castles in Britain, is a rare ancient woodland that dates back a thousand years.

Described by the trust itself as one of its ‘most unique sites’, there is lots for nature-lovers and families to see and do, and all just a short step from the High Street. It is no surprise that some never know what a wonderful place exists so close to the town centre.

The woodland was once part of a great hunting wood that stretched across North Yorkshire .

Most of the woodland is a mix of broadleaf trees such as oak, ash, lime, alder, hornbeam, holly, hazel and beech, but there is also find yew, Scots pine and Norway spruce.

At this time of the year, there is also beginning to show an abundance of plants and flowers, such as wild garlic, bluebells, wood anemone and dog’s mercury.

In the grounds of the castle itself is a yew tree, planted by Lady Lady Ann Clifford in 1649.

Wildlife in the woods includes bats, birds, including kingfishers, and deer.

If you visit at dusk you will come across Britain’s smallest bat, the brown long-eared pipistrelle, or another of the five unique species of bat which call the wood home.

On its website, the trust says: “The wood is just as interesting for bird watchers as up to 28 species of bird are recorded here regularly.

“Kingfishers, heron and dippers can be spotted around the beck and canal which runs throughout, whilst green and greater spotted woodpeckers can be seen and heard deeper in the wood. Buzzards, sparrowhawks and red kites have also been regular visitors, ensuring that bird spotters come back throughout the seasons.”

Skipton Castle itself was originally a motte and bailey castle, built in 1090 by Robert de Romille, lord of the multiple estates of Bolton Abbey.

Shortly after 1102 King Henry I extended Romille’s lands to include all of upper Wharfedale and upper Airedale.

The earth and wood castle was rebuilt in stone to withstand attacks by the Scots - the cliffs behind the castle, dropping down to Eller Beck, made the castle a perfect defensive structure.

The Romille line died out, and in 1310 King Edward II granted the castle to Robert Clifford who was appointed Lord Clifford of Skipton and Guardian of Craven.

Robert Clifford ordered many improvements to the fortifications, but died in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 when the improvements were barely complete.

A message on the council’s website currnently reads: “We are sad to announce that due to the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus, Skipton Castle will be closed from March 20 until further notice. The safety and wellbeing of our visitors and staff is our top priority. We look forward to sharing more positive news in the future.”