Latest opportunity to get involved in Manton Pit project

Work has already started on the conservation project at Manton Pit Wood and a second task day will take place on Tuesday - focussing on heathland restoration and creation, between 10.30am and 3pm.

The first of a series of conservation tasks and other events as part of a wider project to rejuvenate the Manton Pit Wood Site took place recently, and was attended by members of the local community and volunteers from across the county.

Notts County Council land management officer Ted Woodisse said: “It’s great to see local people involved at Manton Pit Wood again, and I hope that this event will be the first of many over the coming months and years.”

Volunteers cleared invasive gorse and scrub from an established area of heathland on the restored colliery site.

This will allow the heather and other acid grassland species to thrive. Lowland heathland was once widespread across the county and is an important habitat within Notts but it has declined dramatically over recent years.

Sue McDonald, community liaison officer for Notts County Council, added: “The volunteers collected heather brash and then spread it on specially prepared bare scrapes. The seeds within the brash should establish and allow the heather to spread creating new areas of heath.”

The work is part of a wider Project to rejuvenate Manton Pit Wood, funded by the European Union Regional Development Fund, Natural England and Notts County Council.

The project will see the existing tracks and trails restored, wildlife habitats enhanced and the construction of a new public car park later this year.

Mr Wooddisse added: “We want local people to come along and get involved in these events at Manton Pit Wood and perhaps learn new skills whilst having a good time in the great outdoors.”

Transport to site, training and tea and biscuits will be provided. Please telephone Sue McDonald on 0115 975 3783 or 07500 106567 for further information and to reserve your place.