Greater –Broxtowe BC, Gedling BC and – Aligned Core Strategies (ACS) Examinations. Inspector’s Matter, Issues & Questions From Mrs J Page, Chairman SABRHE, Brinsley Representing over 55% of Brinsley residents (Petition and public meetings) Also representing Friends of Brinsley Headstocks

Matter 7 : Infrastructure and Delivery

Question 7

There are shortcomings re Brinsley as a Strategic Location. Constraints requirements summary is still not accurate (see section 6 of SABRHE response) particularly

Police - no abnormal requirements - perhaps not, re crime, but what about ongoing traffic /speeding problems, particularly in view of our varied traffic categories ?

Community services – to be confirmed – Broxtowe BC appear to have taken no notice of the detailed information in our consultation response (section 6) WHY NOT ? Is a largely office-based assessment (eg the Tribal survey – acknolwedged by Broxtowe to be inaccurate) really better than actual, local, knowledge ?

Green infrastructure – summary assessment is both insufficient and inaccurate. Much of Brinsley is actually IN the Erewash Valley, not close to it. Green infrastructure in Brinsley does not need enhancement – it merely needs protecting, and keeping as it is, for the benefit and enjoyment of villagers and visitors alike. (See Wildlife Report extract and Headstocks plan which follow herewith, and the separate pdf showing the site plan)

Heritage Assets – correct so far as it goes, but a major Heritage Asset is not even mentioned – the Landscape is an heritage asset and should be described and protected as such, eg DHL’s ‘Country of my Heart’, Brinsley’s typical ex-mining areas, mature landscape, ancient woodland, and old hedgerows

Indicative Assessment, sentences 3 and 4 – the amount of development proposed for Brinsley CANNOT be accommodated – it would adversely affect the landscape and its 30 or so footpaths and bridleways, the SINC sites and wildlife corridors, and the Brinsley Headstocks Heritage site and Local Nature Reserve. See consultation response from Friends of Brinsley Headstocks second sub-paragraph – many Brinsley primary schoolchildren attend school in Bagthorpe and Underwood (Ashfield DC area) – the reason for this should be established and dealt with. Secondary school,children go to nearby Eastwood and Selston – both within easy cycling distance

Question 3 Yes, or what is the point of it ?

1 Greater Nottingham –Broxtowe BC, Gedling BC and Nottingham City Council – Aligned Core Strategies (ACS) Examinations. Inspector’s Matter, Issues & Questions

BRINSLEY PARISH WILDLIFE SURVEY 2000 TO 2012 EXTRACT

SABRHE considers that any development in the countryside around Brinsley would directly threaten the delicate balance between wildlife habitat and human influence.

The countryside surrounding the village is a mixed farming area. It supports cattle and sheep rearing, and arable and hay production. Two pedigree cattle herds are bred in the village, and are successful at Agricultural Shows. There is also a large population of horses, with over 100 using stables and the numerous fields and bridle paths which are a feature of the village landscape.

Data has been systematically gathered and collated over the last 11 years by Philip Oxley, which allows a clear understanding of the wildlife in the village. Assistance in compiling this data and the contents of this report has been given by amateur and professional wildlife experts, who have provided further in-depth information on the natural history of the parish.

There are several features in the village which are significant with regard to wildlife habitats: Brinsley Headstocks is an Heritage Asset at the centre of a mature Local Nature Reserve which supports many species of flora, birds and other wildlife. The south-western part of Brinsley is in the Erewash Valley, with a large area of wetlands. There are numerous SINC sites in and bordering the village. Wildlife corridors provide links to other areas, eg the Erewash valley and wildlife reserve, Annesley woods, Newstead Abbey and Ravenshead, etc The western part of Brinsley is a Conservation Area.

The rich and varied wildlife of Brinsley parish is due, in addition to the wildlife corridors, to the wide variety of habitat that exists throughout the parish.

2 Greater Nottingham –Broxtowe BC, Gedling BC and Nottingham City Council – Aligned Core Strategies (ACS) Examinations. Inspector’s Matter, Issues & Questions

The total number of species actually recorded in the parish Is as follows – Birds 187 (there are 22 species of birds on the Red List breeding in . 11 of those species breed in Brinsley. 15 Amber List species also breed in Brinsley) Flowers 482 Butterflies 22

Whilst the mining and canal systems of Brinsley have disappeared, the countryside retains an ‘old feel’, with country lanes, small fields, ancient and old hedgerows containing some mature trees, all surrounded by a river and other water courses.

BRINSLEY HEADSTOCKS LOCAL NATURE RESERVE

A relatively small site, but contains many interesting flowers including ancient woodland / protected species – wood anemone, violet, bluebell, pignut, and yellow archangel. A total of 271 different species of flora is found on the Headstocks site, together with 22 species of birds and 20 species of butterfly. With improved management of the site in recent years, the variety and numbers of butterfly continues to improve. In the meadow can be seen Common Blue, Ringlet, Small Skipper, and Large Skiipper, in addition to the more common species. The recently introduced ponds alongside the brook, dragon flies have shown an immediate increase.

See draft management plan and map showing the different compartments referred to. The plan demonstrates the ongoing work by FOBHs volunteers

3 Greater Nottingham –Broxtowe BC, Gedling BC and Nottingham City Council – Aligned Core Strategies (ACS) Examinations. Inspector’s Matter, Issues & Questions Brinsley Headstocks Site Management Plan (draft)

Compartment A – The Long Meadow

This section of unimproved pasture lies to the north of the site. It is bounded to the east by a redundant mineral line and to the west by a path and the Brinsley Brook.

The meadow was let to a local farmer for many years and used as cattle grazing. For the past 5 years it has been managed by the Borough Council as hay meadow, being mown in late August and cuttings removed from site.

There is good species diversity, typical of a damp/seasonally wet clay soil and the area has been designated SINC (site of importance for nature conservation), due to the unusual presence of some woodland species, particularly wood anemone. Stock proof fencing has been installed along the path to the western side and hedge laying undertaken to the east, helping exclude visitors and dogs. This has allowed the meadow to develop and improve in biodiversity.

A pond and dipping platform are situated close to the brook on the western side and this is occasionally inundated when the brook is in full flow.

The stone path to the west was partly washed away during floods in winter 2012 and needs work to repair and prevent recurrence. The brook course is indistinct in this area and work to deepen and restore the channel will help prevent future damage.

The current maintenance regime appears to work well, maintaining biodiversity. Annual butterfly and vegetation surveys take place and over a period of years these will confirm this.

The pond suffers damage as a result of dogs swimming in it. As a result it has little presence in terms of aquatic plants. Additional fencing to exclude dogs should be fitted and then consideration should be given to introduction of appropriate species.

A danger – deep water sign should be fitted.

Further work to maintain secure boundaries should be undertaken as required.

Compartment B – Old Mineral Line

This is the line of the railway that served Brinsley and Underwood Collieries when active, and runs north-south on the eastern side of the site. No tracks remain and the line has been surfaced and adopted as a bridleway by the County Council. Very old hawthorn hedges bound both sides, a significant proportion of which has been laid in recent years. Much of the old sections that remain unlaid are top heavy with ivy and liable to collapse in windy conditions. Either side of the surfaced bridleway are approximately 2m wide ‘verges’ with a good mixture of species, typical of woodland fringe/hedgerow. Laid hedges are flail mown annually. The verges are flail mown in summer and this damages the wildflora and fauna that depend on them. Maintenance should be revised here to cut once only, in Autumn.

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Further hedge laying should take place to regenerate the hedgerow and provide a secure boundary to Compartment A, The Long Meadow. Laying of the section of hedge along the meadow has also improved views and light levels to it.

The annual flail cut of verges should continue to prevent scrub developing and take place late summer/autumn to allow wildflower seeding.

There has been some scouring of the path surface by winter run-off. This has been reported to the County Council and monitoring and reporting should continue.

Compartments C1-C3 – “Millenium Woods” around Headstocks Meadow

These comprise three separate compartments, which were planted in 2000 with mixed native hardwoods. There is a good mixture of species including scrub and woodland edge shrubs. Ground flora generally consists of sparse meadow species, a result of the trees being planted into the original grassland. These will soon be shaded out by the growing trees.

Around 5 years ago the areas were surrounded with hawthorn hedging, which has now established quite well.

The areas will require thinning to prevent overcrowding and allow healthy specimens to develop. This will also allow light to the woodland floor, allowing a ground flora to develop.

To speed up the development of a more natural woodland flora, a programme of introducing woodland wildflowers by collecting and sowing seeds from elsewhere on site will help.

The hawthorn hedging will soon require maintenance, this could either be on an annual cutting cycle by mechanical cutter or by a programme of laying sections. A mixture of cut and laid would provide a more diverse habitat.

Compartment D – Headstocks Meadow

This section of grassland lies to the south of the site and begins close to the entrance car park. It is the first point where visitors entering the site are afforded views of the timber headstocks structure. The grassland is surrounded by newly planted woodland (Compartment C) and more mature woodland on the former colliery spoil heap (Compartment E). There are mown paths through the meadow with unrestricted access throughout. The site is managed as hay meadow with an annual cut and collect late August. There is a good mix of wildflowers present, generally typical of a damp clay soil but grasses do dominate in some areas. Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor) was introduced several years ago to help reduce grass vigour and has established well in the damper areas.

Most visitors do remove their dog fouling but some is present. The Friends’ group can report any increases or problem fouling direct to the Borough Council warden service.

5 Greater Nottingham –Broxtowe BC, Gedling BC and Nottingham City Council – Aligned Core Strategies (ACS) Examinations. Inspector’s Matter, Issues & Questions The current cut and collect regime must be maintained to help keep nutrient levels down and maintain species diversity.

A very wet area in the meadow was excavated in 2011 using a mini digger to create a shallow ‘dew pond’. Frogs have now spawned in this area and limited aquatic vegetation has established. The pond is easily accessible, both to dogs and people and suffers damage as a result. There is also potential for an accident so erecting a stock proof fence is a priority. With regard to biodiversity a policy of non-intervention should be adopted to see what colonises naturally.

To the north-east of the meadow an arable area has been created and an annual crop of ‘bird feed mix’ is grown. The crop is allowed to stand through the winter and attracts large numbers of wild birds. There was concern at first that this area comprised alien species such as sunflower, but no spread of crop plans from the area has been noted and the benefits to local bird life are clear. Whilst budgets permit this annual cropping will remain.

To the centre of the area, running east-west is an unusual section of acidic grassland. Ground conditions here may be the result of contamination when the colliery was active. The current cut and collect regime appears to be maintaining diversity and should be continued.

There is a line of trees on the eastern boundary which were deliberately planted some years ago, possibly originally as a mixed hedgerow. The trees are now of such a size that views of the timber headstocks are being compromised and coppicing and selected removal of larger specimens should take place.

Compartment E – The Wooded Hill

This compartment lies to the centre of the site and is a relatively steep sided ‘hump’ characteristic of a spoil heap. It has a well-established cover of mature oak and ash, many of which are quite stunted. An understorey exists, predominantly hawthorn. Norway Maple is also present and is seeding extensively.

There are a number of paths running through the area, and given the topography quite a few steps. Some of the paths are in need of maintenance and a number of informal paths have developed. The canopy is mainly closed and there is only a limited herbaceous presence.

The mature Norway Maple needs to be removed to prevent further seeding and a programme of seedling removal initiated.

Selective coppicing is required to allow more light to the woodland floor, allowing the herbaceous layer to develop and thrive. Introduction of woodland wildflower seed from elsewhere on site will help recolonize. Further introduction of suitable species should not be ruled out.

Maintenance of the path network is required to ensure safety of users. Chippings from tree works could be used as a surface and larger timber be strategically placed to block off informal paths, minimising disturbance to wilder areas.

6 Greater Nottingham –Broxtowe BC, Gedling BC and Nottingham City Council – Aligned Core Strategies (ACS) Examinations. Inspector’s Matter, Issues & Questions

Compartment F – Vine Wood

This is an area of planted woodland adjacent to the car park to the south of the site. Immediately to the east lies Vine Cottage, a building closely linked to the site through the D H Lawrence heritage.

The woodland is extensively planted with non-native spring bulbs including crocus, narcissus and snowdrops, providing a colourful show when little else is present. A small rookery has recently established in the larger trees. Several mature Norway Maple are present and are seeding freely.

Excepting the rook colony, this copse has less potential for biodiversity, given its location against the car park and main thoroughfare. The key maintenance and management tasks should be removal of the mature maples and seedlings and management of the vegetation to maintain open views of Vine Cottage and to benefit the spring flowers.

Compartment G – Brook and The Dell

This section of the site follows the line of the Brinsley Brook, running approximately north-south. The northern area is marshy with Crack Willow and Alder present. Most of the willow was heavily coppiced several years ago, as a result of it becoming unstable due to its age and size. The coppicing has let a substantial amount of light in and the ground vegetation (predominantly perennial nettle) has flourished.

Three small ponds were dug just off-line of the watercourse in 2011 and some amphibian activity (common frog) has been reported. Coppicing of the willow regrowth should take place to maintain light levels and provide a range of ages and sizes to the coppice. Some careful clearance of areas of rank vegetation may be beneficial to reduce nutrient levels and encourage more diversity in the vegetation. Planting of native marginal species should not be ruled out for the future.

The southern half of this compartment was cleared of rank vegetation in 2011 and planting of a small area of hazel undertaken. The hazel is now establishing well and a good variety of woodland wildflowers have developed. In the future this area of hazel should be coppiced on either a 5 or 10 year rotation, but during the 5 year lifespan of this management plan it is unlikely the trees will have reached sufficient size for this to begin.

A small bridge crosses the watercourse in the middle of the compartment and appears to be constructed on top of a relic of the colliery. It has recently been repaired and should remain serviceable for the duration of this plan.

60 or so metres downstream (south) of the bridge is a weir which collapsed in 2011. Prior to this it did hold some water back and helped prevent complete drying of the brook bed in hot dry summers. Some investigation into restoring the weir has taken place, but the Environment Agency are reluctant to grant permission for its repair, preferring a free-flowing watercourse. A tidy up of the broken structure is required

7 Greater Nottingham –Broxtowe BC, Gedling BC and Nottingham City Council – Aligned Core Strategies (ACS) Examinations. Inspector’s Matter, Issues & Questions Compartment H – Physical Structures

This is not a discrete compartment as such, but the key physical structures and picnic area, which are linked by a stone surfaced path.

Beginning at the southern edge of the site is the vehicle access and car park, off the A608 Road. There is clear signage identifying the site which is visible from the road. The entrance is on a bend in the road and requires a little more attention than usual when entering or exiting. Unfortunately, there is no real scope for improving this.

The car park is stone surfaced and does suffer from pot holes and occasional washout. Regular attention should be paid to this and repairs carried out in a timely manner. The ideal solution would be a sealed tarmac surface, but with the proximity of the Brinsley Brook and residential properties this would require an extensive, and expensive, SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage System) drainage system before planning permission would be granted.

Interpretation signage is present in the car park. This should be maintained in a clean condition and kept current.

Moving north into the site is a wide access path and bridleway, which follow the course of an old mineral railway line. There is a horse-style and squeeze point which serve to allow access to pedestrians whilst restricting motorcycles.

Further into the site a bound-gravel surfaced path turns off to the left (west) and heads up a short incline to the fenced headstock structure. The timber tandem headstock is the last remaining example of this type of structure in Britain and is the only visible relic of the once extensive colliery that stood on the site. The headstock was extensively restored in 2009 and grant funding has been secured to apply a preservation treatment in 2013. The Borough Council do not have a budget to maintain the structure and its future is currently dependent on securing further grants for repair and maintenance. This has to be a key and on-going priority. Given the historical significance and unique nature of this structure investigations with relevant bodies should be made with regard to it becoming listed.

Around and to the rear (north) of the headstock is an area of regularly mown grassland with two picnic tables. Maintenance of this more formal area is undertaken by the Borough Council and should continue, but no further extension to formal grassed areas are proposed.

8 Greater Nottingham –Broxtowe BC, Gedling BC and Nottingham City Council – Aligned Core Strategies (ACS) Examinations. Inspector’s Matter, Issues & Questions

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