Scots pine and larch were planted when the woods were used for commercial forestry in the 19th century.[3] Non-native conifers were planted in the 1950s[2] but Sheffield Wildlife Trust now have a program of felling the conifer plantations and encouraging more of the native broad-leaf trees.[4] 24 disease-resistant English elms were planted in 2018, as part of an initiative to combat dutch elm disease.[5]
Greno Woods was used for quarrying of Grenoside Sandstone, as a hunting ground for deer and for commercial forestry in the 19th century.[3]
Modern day uses are mostly recreational: Greno Woods being a popular spot for walking and jogging,[3] it is located on the Trans Pennine Trail and features many footpaths and bridleways.[1][6] In 2018 an "Enchanted Forest Trail" was constructed with the intention of encouraging toddlers and young children to explore nature.[7]
Greno Woods hosts a popular mountain biking event, Peaty's Steel City Downhill, founded by professional biker Steve Peat.[8]