A new nature reserve is fast taking shape on the edge of an Erewash town – as the borough council revealed February will see the last of 1,536 trees and shrubs planted in time for spring.
The huge project to create a 25-acre wildlife haven on the site of Ilkeston’s disused Pewit municipal golf course was launched last August at a cost of more than £500,000 – with the money NOT coming from council tax.
Half was secured by the council from government levelling-up investment via what is called the Shared Prosperity Fund. The rest has been paid to the authority by businesses involved in the redevelopment of the old Stanton ironworks.
Six months on there is already a network of new paths. Butterfly and bee banks have been constructed ready to be sown with wildflower seeds.
Nature lovers will be able to use new picnic benches and other seating to enjoy the tranquil surroundings – which include what are called “open mosaic habitat” zones. These are a patchwork of different kinds of environments to encourage wildlife.
Erewash council’s dedicated band of volunteer tree wardens have helped with the transformation – which has included planting oaks and sweet chestnuts.
Cllr Mark Alfrey, who is Lead Member for Environment, paid tribute to their hard work as he told how the new Pewit Coronation Meadows Local Nature Reserve forms a link to the wider Nutbrook Trail plus the beauty spots of Straws Bridge, Manor Floods and Pewit Carr.
Natural England and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust have welcomed the project. Cllr Alfrey said:
“When the golf course had to close the council was keen to keep the site as a community asset – and residents backed the idea of turning it into a local nature reserve.
“The project to transform these 25 acres combines conservation, ecology, and community engagement. It embodies the principles of rewilding as we restore natural habitats and promote ecological connectivity across the entire borough.”
