As we come to the end of this project, we’re delighted to share what has been achieved since work began earlier this year.
Working in partnership with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Nottinghamshire County Council and the Friends of Woodlands and Coachwood Green, Shireoaks, we’ve transformed this former colliery site with a range of natural flood management measures designed to slow, store and manage water more naturally.
Building on the first phase of the project, which saw the installation of 39 leaky dams, two cross-drains and 20 flow detectors, we have now completed the second phase of works. This included creating new scrapes, bunds and a wildlife pond, along with an access path to help visitors access the pond.
Together, these features help hold water on site for longer during periods of heavy rainfall, reducing the speed at which water moves through the landscape. By slowing the flow, natural flood management can help reduce flood risk downstream while making the site more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
The project is also delivering important benefits for wildlife. The new pond, scrapes and wetland habitats will provide breeding, feeding and shelter opportunities for a wide range of species, increasing biodiversity across the site.
The final stage of the project brought together local schools, volunteers and members of the community, who helped spread wildflower seed and plant around the new pond. These plantings will help establish valuable habitat for pollinators and other wildlife while enhancing the area for future visitors.
We would like to thank all of our partners, volunteers, schools and local residents who have supported the project. Their enthusiasm and hard work have helped create a site that will provide lasting benefits for both people and nature for years to come.