Area set for rejuvenation

The woodland has been closed to the public since 2009 following an increase in antisocial behaviour, vandalism and fears for public health and safety posted by illegally-ridden off-road motorbikes.

Police say there have been a combined 1,146 incidents of anti-social behaviour in the Manton area in the past two years.

Now, Notts County Council, which owns and manages the site, is working with a series of partner agencies to r project to restore the land for recreational use.

The site has been awarded £200,000 from the ERDF, Natural England and the LTP with additional matchfunding from the county council to undertake a significant programme of improvements.

The funding will be used to create a new, safe public car park to encourage more people to visit, restore degraded tracks and trails and create new links to the existing Rights of Way network and Sustrans Route 6 - expected to be completed by autumn this year.

Ted Wooddisse, Notts County Council’s land management officer, said he hoped the public would come up with further ideas for improvement once the first phase of the project has been completed.

“We were forced to close the site three years ago due to escalating vandalism and fears for public health and safety posed by the threat of off-road motorcycles so we are pleased to now have some funding to be able to enhance the site, address the problems and make the site more appealing to visitors,” he said.

“There will be a taster woodland management task on Tuesday 19th February, and if successful, we will add further dates. This is a great way to learn new skills, make friends and help the environment. Everyone is welcome and no previous experience is necessary as all tools, training and tea and biscuits are provided.”

For further information and volunteering contact Gill Grievson on 01623 822944 or 07740 845574.