The wood is on a steep sided slope close to the historic county boundary and probably formerly part of more extensive woodland in Gleadless valley. The name is thought to come from Lees Hall which stood nearby. An archaeological survey recorded a range of features within the woodland including boundary ditches which were thought to be medieval in date and charcoal burning platforms (NAA, 2001, 28-36) Legibility is partial due to the surviving woodland and features within it.