Cotgrave Country Park
Following the closure of the
Nottinghamshire Collieries, Nottinghamshire County Council and the
Forestry Commission entered into a partnership with British Coal to
restore 8 former colliery sites.
The proposal was to re-shape the pit
tips and develop each site in a way that would benefit wildlife, improve
the landscape, produce timber and provide recreation opportunities. At
Cotgrave the earth works commenced in August 1997. The basic facts and
figures of the restoration include:
-
60 hectares of the site
have been restored to new country park including the creation of new
ponds, wetlands, broadleaf woodland and open space.
-
60 hectares has been
restored to agriculture.
-
Over 2 million tonnes
of earth has been moved around the site
-
Over 5 kilometres of
new stone roads and paths have been constructed
-
Horse gallops and
bridleways have been provided
-
A new Scout Camp area
has been created
-
To date over 120,000
trees have been planted
(Note: The old pit head has been
retained for development and does not form part of the Country Park)
Cotgrave Country Park is management by Nottinghamshire County Council
Environment Department:-
Contact: Ted Wooddise/Lee Scudder
Nottinghamshire County Council, Environment, 1-3 Diamond Avenue,
Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 7GN
Tel: 01623 827 329
Fax: 01623 751 846
email :
ted.wooddisse@nottscc.gov.uk or
lee.scudder@nottscc.gov.uk
website:
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/cotgravecp
Management Aims and Objectives:
- to promote and provide recreational public access for all
abilities
- to increase the Biodiversity of the site and provide opportunities
for wildlife
- to encourage and increase community involvement on the site
- to provide opportunities for Education
- to improve the aesthetic appearance of the site within the
surrounding landscape
- to diversify agricultural areas for the benefit of wildlife
- to manage the woodlands in a sustainable manner.
A Draft Management Plan has been produced, and will be circulated for
consultation shortly.
If you are interested in becoming
involved in the future decision making and management of Cotgrave
Country Park or have any comments, please contact: Ted Wooddisse or Lee
Scudder at the above contact details.
Interest groups
Friends of Cotgrave Country Park. The Friends
Group provides an opportunity for a wide range of Interest Groups to
meet and discuss site issues and the management of the Country Park from
a local perspective. The Group also aims to promote the Country
Park through site based activities including practical conservatiaon
tasks and other events.
The group meets every six week at Cotgrave Futures
on Candleby Lane.
Cotgrave Diamond Angling Club: The Club lease the
Main Lake, with Club fishing only (no day tickets). The Club have
undertaken a considerable amount of work to establish what is becoming a
very successful fishery. They have also undertalem conservation
tasks and work closely with Ash Lea School and local Youth Groups in
providing opportunities for young people to fish at Cotgrave.
Meetings
The next meeting of the Friends of Cotgrave Country Park will be
held on Tuesday 19th July 2005 at 7.30 at Cotgrave Futures, Candleby
Lane, Cotgrave.
|
