RUNNEYMEDE WOODS
Runneymede Woods consists of 50 acres of pristine woodlands in the Runneyemede neighborhood donated as a Conservation Easement to the Davidson Lands Conservancy by the Runneymede Homeowner’s Association. The easement allows Runneymede residents to own and use the land, which extends for 0.5 miles along both the Mecklenburg and Cabarrus sides of the Rocky River, east of Davidson. Davidson Lands Conservancy assists the Association in managing and protecting the ecological values of the property. These include rich, mature woodlands; a historic mill site and quarry; and impressive rock formations, including the “Whale Rock,” purportedly the largest granite outcrop in Cabarrus County. Runneymede residents still use the property’s equestrian and pedestrian trails, and DLC is allowed to offer infrequent guided tours and nature walks in the conserved area.
This easement contributes another link in a series of protected parcels along the Rocky River that will assure it remains a largely-green corridor in the future. The river connects the Runneymede property to publicly-owned parcels such as the Rocky River Bluff Nature Preserve to the north and the West Branch Nature Preserve downstream, and to various privately-owned properties under conservation easement.
“We’re very grateful that the Runneymede HOA and its membership have taken this very forward looking step towards permanently protecting this special place, and we look forward to working with them to protect and enhance the conservation values of the land,” said DLC Board President Rodney Graham at the time of the donation. “This land is conserved in perpetuity, meaning it will be there for the enjoyment of generations to come.”
