The History And Geology of the Reserve
A map of 1831 shows the site as a small area of woodland with the northern part called simply, "Poor End". This was before the construction of Bankwood Mills in about the year 1845.
The 1852 map shows the new buildings, weirs on the stream (Acres Brook) and two reservoirs of water made to serve the mill buildings, the Lower Reservoir, adjacent to the mill buildings, and the Upper Reservoir now after 150 years is now almost completely silted up. The latter is today called the Upper Pool.
The Long Weir at one time had metal spikes at the bottom so as to catch flotsam before reaching the Lower Reservoir. The purpose of the Upper Reservoir was to trap sediment from the brook's waters which flowed through it before proceeding further down the valley.
The solid geology consists of rocks of the Carboniferous Era; shale, sandstone and coal. There were formerly two coal mines above the reserve in Hough Hill. Shale is most evident at Eastwood. Because it does not let water through easily and with steep slopes of the valley soil is easily eroded.
Above the solid geology is a mixture of rocks left by the retreating ice sheets. The material varies from stiff clay, through coarse sand to quite large boulders, which can best be seen from the stream west of the Information Centre.

Flora and Fauna
The Reserves 5 hectares (12 acres) contain about 1,000 mature trees. Sessile Oak, Sycamore, Beech and Horse Chestnut are the commonest. There are only two coniferous trees, one Pine and a Yew. The shrub layer is composed mainly of Holly, Elder, Hawthorn and Sallow. About 140 species of flowering plant have been recorded, most of them native to the British Isles, but there are a number of introduced and naturalised as well as garden escapees.
More than 40 bird species are recorded annually. Common woodland birds such as Titmice, Thrushes, Robins, Dunnocks and Wrens are abundant. There are Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Tawny Owls and Jays. Herons, Grey Wagtails and Dippers occasionally visit the streams and pools. The kingfisher is usually evident in Autumn. Birdwatching in woodland requires patience and persistence, "look at everything, listen to everything".
Mammals seen at Eastwood include Mole, Fox, Water Shrew, Water Vole, Grey Squirrel, Stoat, Weasel, Hedgehog, Common Shrew, Bats and Woodmice. Domestic cats and dogs are interlopers.
Butterflie species are few in number and include Orange Tip and Green Veined White. Some Dragon and Damsel flies are on the wing in Summer, the Brown Aeshna being conspicuous in July and August. The numerous moths are rarely noticed unless trapped for identification.
Sticklebacks thrive in the pools and stream, hence the frequent visits of the Kingfisher and Heron.
Smooth newts, Common Frog and Common Toad are plentiful but no reptiles have been recorded.
Fungi are most obvious in late summer and Autumn, around 40 different species of fungi have been recorded in the reserve.

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