Walks LeafletFinal (6) 24/10/06 14:49 Page 1

Tell us what is important to you about Local Nature Reserves & Parks by filling in this short survey and mailing it back to us at the address below F e e d b a c k A c c e s s i n g t h e T r a i l s 3 S h i r e b r o o k W o o d 7 M e d e n V a l e - Y o u r g u i d e t o T h e B o t t o m s L N R ( S K 5 7 8 6 9 2 ) K E Y to symbols By car: A variety of access points and car parks can be Wood has been planted on the former spoil Name: ...... found along the trails, these are shown on the map. heaps of Shirebrook Colliery. This landscape now offers The river meanders through the length of this reserve L o c a l N a t u r e fantastic views across the district of , looking Address: ...... By cycle: A number of the routes are ideal for cycling and is flanked on either side by low-lying wetlands. Trail towards in the east. R e s e r v e s & P a r k s and cycle lockers can be found in the town centre. The area regularly floods during the winter months Route Café Public House Parking ...... Tel: 01623 463463 for further information. and provides excellent habitat for amphibians and 4 S o o k h o l m e B a t h reptiles including Newts and Grass Snakes...... i n M a n s f i e l d D i s t r i c t By bus: A variety of bus routes pass close to the trails and Mansfield Bus station is only 400 metres from the Birds recorded on the site include Little Grebe, Postcode: ...... Bath is the site of a natural spring forming Grey Heron, Teal, Water Rail, Kingfisher, Marsh and trail. Full details are available from Traveline the source of Sookholme Brook. There is evidence that Email: ...... Tel: 08706 08 26 08 www.traveline.org.uk Willow Tit, as well as a number of over wintering Kingfisher There’s a wonderful world of wildlife the spring was used as an ancient healing spa. Nearby waders such as Woodcock, Snipe and Jack Snipe. Contact Tel. No...... By train: Trains run frequently, Monday to Saturday, fragments of Roman bricks and tiles have been found, right on your doorstep just waiting to be on the ( to ). marking the site of a Roman tile kiln. Mammals in the area include Badger, Fox and the Are you: Male Female discovered. All you need to do is look! Railway stations at Sutton Parkway and Mansfield are occasional Mink; even with this predator present the both accessible from the trails. For timetables river holds a small population of Water Voles. There Which age group do you fit into? 5 H i l l s a n d H o l e s a n d S o o k h o l m e B r o o k A good place to start would be the protected lands of Tel: 08457 48 49 50 www.nationalrail.co.uk have not been many recorded sightings of bats in the area but Daubentons are regularly seen downstream under 16 16-25 26-40 Local Nature Reserves and Parks. They are already well The former limestone quarry stretches the whole of the LNR. It is also possible that otters have 41-50 51-60 61-70 over 70 geared up for visitors with designated footpaths, cycle length of Sookholme Brook and is a Site of Special started using the site. ways and bridle paths in abundance. R e f r e s h m e n t s & t o i l e t s Scientific Interest together with the Hills and Holes Do you consider yourself to have a disability? Within all the hustle and bustle of a busy market town Refreshments and toilets can be found at many area where the brook joins the . Yes No and surrounding villages, visitors can still retreat for venues within the town centre and in villages along the This area is very important for wildlife and contains some of the finest remaining limestone What is your ethnic group? some peace and quiet. trails. These are marked on the maps. plant communities in . Church of Please tick one of the following: Local Nature Reserves (LNR) are protected open green St. Peter & Paul Asian or Asian British Black or Black British spaces set aside for wildlife. A total of nine have been I n S t e p ‘ W a l k i n g t h e w a y Chinese White Other Ethnic Group please designated by Council (MDC), seven describe of which were designated during the Natural t o h e a l t h i n i t i a t i v e ’ 7 ...... Connections project; a partnership between the ‘In Step’ is a programme of short Barn Council and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (NWT). The Owl Netherfield If you would like to receive details of other events walks led by trained volunteers and is two organisations have been working in partnership to Lane in Mansfield District, please tick this box. a fun way to improve your health and create more LNRs and manage them sensitively to make new friends. enhance the local environment for local people and How did you travel to the area today? visitors alike. How much will it cost? Car Bus Train Motorcycle Walk Walks are FREE. You will need some Lane One of the main aims of this project is to provide Taxi Other (please state) small change if you wish to have A60 Burns opportunities for local people to become involved and refreshments after the walk. Mansfield ...... to work in partnership with the Council in the future Road management of these sites, working towards the Can children & dogs attend? How many people visited in your group? reserves long term protection. Local people can Yes, but they must be accompanied by a responsible Alone 1 2 3 to 4 contribute by joining one of the local “Friends of” adult. Dogs must be kept on a lead. groups who organise various events to raise funds for 5 to 7 8+ Can I volunteer? management projects and to promote the reserve and If you are over 18 and under 75 you may be able to Did you stay overnight in local accommodation? its wildlife. 6 become a volunteer walk leader or back-up leader. If so, please state for how long and where. For more information about Friends groups contact Full training is given. B6031 Askew ...... Parks Development Tel: 01623 463245. Otter If you are interested in volunteering or would like Lane Spa ...... to find out more about the walk scheme please Carter contact: How did you find out about this leaflet? L o o k o u t . . . Sunday walks information: 07951 968366 Tourist Information Point/Centre Library Follow the trail signage to guide your way along the Monday walks information: 07951 945407 5 Accommodation Community Centre walks and trails throughout the District. Thursday walks information: 07951 968437 please please Brown Trout Civic Centre Attraction state Other state ...... When did you last visit one of Mansfield District’s Local Nature Reserves or Parks? Tick one option: T h e N o t t i n g h a m s h i r e W i l d l i f e T r u s t In past couple of weeks In last six months 1 P l e a s l e y V a l e & M i l l s 2 P l e a s l e y V a l e P l a n t N u r s e r y & T e a R o o m 6 M a r k e t W a r s o p - Over six months ago I have never visited T h e C a r r s P a r k & L N R ( S K 5 6 5 6 8 3 ) Working to protect wildlife in your County Meden Trail LNR Vale Plant Nursery & Tea Room is located within Can’t remember The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is the County’s a former building of the mill complex. This Centre boasts This local nature reserve runs along a disused railway The Carrs in Warsop is a large open space, which largest environmental charity. We are run by local If you have never visited, why is this? an abundance of plant species. Enjoy light refreshments SOOKHOLME and covers nearly 10 hectares including a section includes the Local Nature Reserve, recreational and people for the benefit of local wildlife. We now have in the café and soak up the atmosphere of this tranquil lack of time lack of transport not interested designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). play areas, a mill pond and the River Meden. This park over 9000 supporters but need your support in order site. Toilets are also located in the centre. please Sookholme is a former water meadow (Carrs is an old English did not know about them another reason specify It contains some of the best remaining calcareous 3 to continue protecting wildlife. grassland in the county and also includes fine Open from 1st March to end of November annually. word meaning a marshy place), which was once Road The Trust is also a partner in the largest voluntary ...... examples of calcareous woodland scrub as well as B6047 common land. The park is now managed by Mansfield Opening hours: 4 organisation in the UK concerned with all aspects of interesting limestone crags and fissures. District Council and caters for a wide range of leisure ...... 10am - 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday activities. There is a well-equipped children’s play area wildlife protection, The Wildlife Trusts. This partnership The impressive complex of mill buildings in the bottom and Bank Holiday Mondays of 47 County Trusts and Urban Wildlife Groups ...... Sookholme Bath with picnic tables. The Carrs is also the venue for of the valley were built in 1847, 1850 and 1913, and Warsop Carnival which is held in July. manages more than 2300 nature reserves and has If you have visited one of the Local Nature were originally water powered. They ceased production Grass Snake more than 600,000 members. Reserves and Parks in the last year, please tell us in 1987 and have recently been converted into The nature reserve contains a diverse mixture of For details of how you can support which one/s and how would you rate the industrial and business units. habitats, including wet willow carr, hawthorn scrub, our work, please contact: experience overall? and both wet and dry grassland. Between the mill dam and River Meden is a small island that is an important (from 1 = “not worthwhile or enjoyable” Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, haven for wildlife. to 5 = “extremely enjoyable and worthwhile”) The Old Ragged School, 1 2 3 4 5 3 The Willow woodland to the south of the amenity Brook Street, Nottingham, NG1 1EA Orchids grassland contains plants that are classed as ancient Tel: 0115 958 8242 ...... woodland indicators such as Wood Anemone, Dogs Fax: 0115 9243175 Mercury and Wild Garlic...... Email: nottswt.cix.co.uk www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/nottinghamshire ...... The River Meden is one of the cleanest rivers in the county and shoals of Brown Trout can be seen in its ...... waters. The site is also great for birdlife with over one hundred species of birds recorded the highlights of T h e S h e r w o o d F o r e s t T r u s t How much did you spend on your visit to the which include Goosander, Osprey, Marsh Harrier and area? Waxwing. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Sherwood Under £10 £10 - £20 £21 - £30 Initiative Area Partnership Scheme is putting back Along the river is a pleasant walk lined by mature £31 - £40 £41 - £50 Over £50 Britain’s heart of oak through the re-creation of the willow trees, which links the Carrs by a footbridge to traditional landscapes and habitats of Sherwood How would you rate this guide? Outgang Lane the park on Carr Lane. Here there is another children’s Forest. We include communities in development of play area, as well as the BMX track, Skateboard Park co-operation, direct action, local Excellent Good Poor Very Poor and bowling green. responsibility and pride to secure If you scored this guide as Poor or Very Poor, Little delivery of strategic heritage 1 2 Lane please tell us why wood landscapes, interpretation, and B6407 ...... education and community involvement.

...... Common Roman Villa G r i m e Contact: 01623 758231 (site of ) ...... If you spot any unsightly litter when walking along Website: www.sherwoodforest.org.uk the walks and trails in Mansfield District please Email: [email protected] Do you feel anything is missing? Lane contact us and let us know so that we can ensure PLEASLEY ...... A617 the routes are clean and clear for your enjoyment. Thank you...... Please call 01623 463463 or email J o i n u s for one of the many exciting events taking place at Please return to: Mansfield District Council, [email protected] Local Nature Reserves and Parks, including ‘Summer in the Tourism, Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South, Streets’ open-air concerts, theatre and family events. Mansfield, Notts, NG19 7BH St Chad’s Church Holly Blue For the latest ‘What’s On’ events information contact Thank you: Your views are important and we value them. Pleasley Butterfly 01623 463026 or visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/whatson Walks Leaflet Final (6) 24/10/06 14:50 Page 2

1 K i n g s M i l l R e s e r v o i r 5 T i t c h f i e l d P a r k 8 R a v e n s d a l e L N R ( S K 5 5 2 6 1 9 ) Kings Mill is a large reservoir and area of natural A welcome contrast to the busy commercial area This Local Nature Reserve lies on the steep slopes of beauty on the Sutton-in-Ashfield and Mansfield border. surroundings. Titchfield Park is within easy walking the Maun Valley from the top of which are great views It provides a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, and is distance of the Town Centre and is adjacent to Water over Mansfield and the surrounding countryside. The ideal for walking, nature study and water activities. Meadows Swimming & Fitness Complex. The Park has site is important for nature conservation as it supports A new visitor centre opened on this site in late recently been refurbished providing excellent facilities, lowland heathland and old oak woodland habitats. Spring 2006. including an improved pavilion and play area, for a Many of the common bird species are present Nightjar good family day out. including Tawny Owl, Great-spotted Woodpecker with 2 T h e H e r m i t a g e L N R ( S K 5 2 1 5 9 8 ) breeding pairs of Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler to the 1 0 S p a P o n d s 6 T o w n C e n t r e and Yellowhammer. Parliament Oak ( S K 5 7 0 6 3 4 ) This small nature reserve used to be part of Hermitage - approx 1m House gardens and is so called because it is believed Mansfield Town Centre is packed with things to do for This reserve contains in Tudor times the Bishop of St David’s used the a great day out, so whilst you are walking or cycling 9 M a u n V a l l e y P a r k L N R ( S K 5 4 8 6 2 5 ) three medieval ponds location as a religious retreat. The site was given to along the trails, why not take a couple of hours to see with a fourth modern This Local Nature Reserve is the largest in the District 1 1 the council in 1986 by a Mrs Valance as an open more of the town and the family attractions only a few pond, all of which are fed covering 17 hectares of protected habitats alongside space for the benefit of the people of Mansfield. minutes away. by a natural spring that can the from Bath Lane to New Mill Lane and be seen percolating through At the western end sits King’s Mill Viaduct, a The Market Place still hosts a market most days, and comprising ancient oak woodland, grassland, water Lane Scheduled Ancient Monument and believed to be the holds regular speciality markets including monthly the sand; these two features meadows, riverside and wetland habitats. ield oldest railway viaduct in . Josias Jessop built it Farmers Markets (3rd Tuesday of every month). The af are rarely found on Sherwood Pe in 1817 for the Mansfield & Pinxton Railway Company traditional market place is complimented with designer Sandstone. The ponds are an Photograph taken 1870 to serve the Mansfield & Pinxton line, which connected boutiques and specialist shops, whilst the Four important area for a variety of 1 1 P a r l i a m e n t O a k the town with the Canal at Pinxton and was Seasons Shopping Centre is packed with top high T h e R i v e r M a u n A6075 invertebrates, particularly dragonflies. Parliament Oak marks the boundary of Park a used to transport cotton to Hermitage Mill. street shops and department stores. The River Maun has been important in the historical The River Maun runs adjacent to the royal hunting estate dating back to the 13th century; It development of Mansfield particularly in the supply of reserve with an adjoining willow carr, The reserve is dominated by the disused millpond of The town has plenty of great places to eat and drink was a favourite of King Richard I, who spent most of his waterpower for a wide variety of mills. Today it is an which was formed due to mining Hermitage Mill, which is surrounded by mature from a la carte pavement cafes to pub meals. time in England at the nearby Clipstone Palace. It was in important part of the natural environment providing subsidence. During the winter this wet deciduous woodland of Ash, Oak with the the year 1212 that Richard's brother King John For a visitors guide to Mansfield contact visitor habitats for wildlife, and providing the local community woodland holds a number of Water occasional Holly and Yew and with ancient summoned a parliament which was held under this tree information or see our website. with valuable amenity and recreation areas. Its source Rail. Other wildlife includes birds woodland indicators such as Wood Anemone, when he was informed of the Welsh revolt and an lies near Sutton-in-Ashfield, and from there it flows such as Little Grebe and Bluebell, Lesser Celandine and Dogs Mercury. insurrection in the north of England. The King in his north east through Mansfield, and Kingfisher with Goldcrests L e a r n i n g & D i s c o v e r y anger then rode to Nottingham Castle where he ordered Despite the sites small size a total of 46 species of , through the heart of the Sherwood Forest in the surrounding the execution by hanging from the castle walls of 28 bird have been recorded with 42 of these species Grey area. Near it merges with the River conifer plantations. M a n s f i e l d M u s e u m boys aged between 12 and 14 years of age; the boys having bred. This includes breeding Grey Heron and Heron Meden to form the . Its main tributaries were being held by the King as hostages in order to breeding Pochard. Also present are pairs of Our dynamic Museum and Art are Water and . Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Spotted Flycatcher, Gallery contains a fascinating mix keep the Welsh Prince Llewellyn in subjection. King John Willow Tit, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting. of permanent displays of local art and his army then moved on to Wales where they and artefacts. Let our exquisite quelled the Welsh uprising. The site is not suitable at present for the Buxton watercolours of the local

disabled, as the only formal access is via a King Edward I is also said to have summoned a

landscape take you back to the turn of the century.

flight of steps leading from Kings Lodge Drive. 1 0 parliament which was held under this tree in the year Savour the delicate beauty of the Pinxton porcelain. ss kk rr aa PP && ss ee vv rr ee ss ee R River 1290, the King was staying at the nearby R

Discover a new green world in the hands-on

MANSFIELD Maun Clipstone Palace while he and his

XplorActive environment gallery.

3 O a k h a m L N R ( S K 5 2 9 5 9 8 ) WOODHOUSE army were on their way to Scotland. ee rr uu tt aa NN ll aa cc oo L The newest of the permanent galleries L Oakham Local Nature Reserve was created There are over five hundred trees that focuses on helping children (and their

to replace habitats lost through the construction are over one thousand years old in

parents!) understand the crucial part they play in New Mill of Oakham Business Park. It comprises a Lane Drive ss ’’ tt cc ii rr tt ss ii DD dd ll ee ii ff ss nn aa M the area including important trees like M sustaining their environment. Inter-active displays

wide assortment of wildlife habitats the Major Oak and Parliament Oak.

ranging from flower rich dry encourage them to trace, weigh, find, draw, peep and oo tt ee mm oo cc ll ee W Clipstone W grassland and recently planted twist their way through a journey from the kitchen to woodland areas to wetland habitats the edge of the wood, via the street, the park and the next to the River Maun. river. Trails and art materials are available for those who want to Xplor just that bit more Actively! There is a well-maintained boardwalk and bridge over the river Maun that allows pedestrians to walk from 9 Kings Mill reservoir through Oakham across Drury Dam Sheepbridge Lane onto Quarry Lane Walkway Viaduct 7 Ne LNR and into Mansfield town centre. C a r r B a n k P a r k Old Mill wlands W h e r e t o f i n d u s Lane Bird species recorded include Grey Heron, A delightful, well presented town centre park Rd 1 2 Kingfisher, Dipper, Nightingale, Lesser and with Green Flag Status. Carr Bank houses Common Whitethroat and Green Woodpecker. the old manor which now operates as a Vicar Water Water voles use both the river and the man hotel and restaurant. The park offers a Country Park

made scrapes, and there is a colony of the range of sports activities, a sculpture park Smith Blue Water British White-clawed Crayfish in the and hosts events throughout the year. Butterfly Vole

nearby Cauldwell Brook. Planting throughout the park reflects the Eileen planting schemes of the original park design & The flower rich grassland areas support lots together with the introduction of wildflower Road of butterflies, which include Speckled Wood, wlands John

meadows and naturalized areas. Ne by Meadow Brown, Brimstone and Common Blue. Common 8305

Lizard others 8 4 Q u a r r y L a n e W a l k w a y L N R ( S K 5 3 3 6 0 2 ) 7 205 1 2 V i c a r W a t e r C o u n t r y P a r k , C l i p s t o n e The River Maun meanders through this reserve, eventually entering Pond. The Mill Pond A60 Severn, 0113 attracts a wide variety of birds including Little Grebes and breeding Mute Swans. The area also 1 3 Award winning Country Park with visitor centre and O a k T r e e H e a t h L N R ( S K 5 8 6 6 0 3 ) David boasts a thriving population of Water Voles. As the river flows through the site it falls over a number café, fishing lake, woodlands, heathland and This LNR contains one of the few remaining areas of grassland. Extensive network of footpaths and cycle by

of small ruffles attracting Kingfishers and breeding Grey Wagtails. The river is flanked by mature Solutions woodland dominated by Ash, Beech and Oak. This woodland St Peter’s lowland heathland left in the county. The heath is ways including Sustrans national route. photos provides breeding habitat for a number of bird species Way designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Tel: 01623 466340 Print including Spotted Flycatcher and Bullfinch. for its botanical interest, which is typical of lowland

Walk to the top of bench MANSFIELD heaths including Bell Heather, Calluna (Hoary Ling) and

The grassland creates small open ‘meadow’ areas between Vicar Water and see Resource 6 Wavy hair-grass. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t u s : and

the trees and scrub which is a haven for invertebrates Eakring magnificent views by most noticeably butterflies with several species being Rd The heath is a remnant of the former hunting forest of across Sherwood and Email [email protected] bridge

recorded for example Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Sherwood, a landscape characterised by open heathland many of its former Phone 01623 463026 rinted

Small Copper and Brimstone. with oak and birch woodland, it is now a rare and mining areas. You &p Fax 01623 463900 fragmented habitat that needs our protection. can also see the new viaduct, Along the southern edge of the site is a frequent , Racecourse heathland landscape Post Tourism limestone exposure, which provides a rare habitat. 5 The heath has a thriving reptile Cover Recreation being created by the Mansfield District Council Designed This site has many important historical features including population making it one of the Ground Sherwood Forest Civic Centre Drury’s dam viaduct, and the remains of the extensive 1 3 most important sites in the Bentinck Trust and Newark & Chesterfield Road South mill building once the third largest in Europe. ndsorRd county for Common Lizard, with Memorial Fisher Lane Park Sherwood District Mansfield Wi over sixty sightings recorded. It is Quarry Council. Important Notts NG19 7BH The site has flat, well-maintained footpaths Sheepbridg also home to a wide range of birds and Lane heathland sites in the that make the area accessible to all. insects, the most noticable being butterflies. Internet www.mansfield.gov.uk and www.visitmansfield.co.uk Lane area include e The area is an important refuge for wildlife on A38 A617 Strawberry Hill and Road the edge of Mansfield’s urban fringe. Southwell Oak Tree Heath. Sutton Oak Hermitage 4 Lane Road Tree Heathland is an internationally rare and threatened 2 A60 Lane habitat characterised by the presence of plants of the Nottingham heather family, supporting some of our most Road endangered wildlife. In the UK we have lost over 75% 1 River Maun of our heathland since the early 1800s, whilst in to Cauldwell Brook K E Y to symbols 3 BLEAK Nottinghamshire over 90% of our heathlands were lost M a n s f i e l d D i s t r i c t King’s Mill between 1922 and 1987 (At the time of the C o u n c i l Reservoir HILLS Domesday book in 1086 about two thirds of the Creating a District where Sherwood Area was described as ‘open’ heathland). People can Succeed

Trail Café Public Parking Hotel Leisure Visitor The creation of new areas of heathland on former mining spoil heaps is an excellent way to return to the A6075 Route House Centre Centre landscape & wildlife heritage of Sherwood Forest. Dragonfly The information in this leaflet is available in large print.