(December 18, 2025) https://nottsbag.org.uk/2025/12/18/restoring-biodiversity-at-freckland-wood-a-day-of-conservation/
On 11th November, staff from Nottinghamshire County Council visited Freckland Wood (one of the county’s green spaces sites) located on the edge of Newstead village. A fascinating site that was once a colliery pit tip, this is now a thriving broadleaved woodland. With its wide grassy rides (paths and tracks) open glades, and a monument at the highest point commemorating the area’s mining heritage, the wood is a great example of how restoration can bring positive changes to areas previously managed for industry.
The main task of the day was to clear vegetation along some of the woodland rides, which were overgrown with regenerating scrub and woodland. By widening these pathways and opening up woodland edges, transitional habitats (ecotones) can be created to support a diverse range of species.
These changes will help boost biodiversity by creating sunny, open areas where wildflowers can flourish, attracting pollinators and other species. Woodland edges are particularly valuable because they offer a mix of shelter and feeding opportunities for wildlife.
During the day, interesting signs of the site’s biodiversity were encountered; an old wren’s nest was found tucked away in the undergrowth – a lovely reminder of the woodland’s role as a home for birds. Crepidotus fungi were spotted growing on fallen branches, showing the natural cycle of decay and renewal at work.
By the end of the day, great progress had been made opening up the rides and woodland edges. It will be interesting to see how these changes encourage more wildlife and plant diversity in the months ahead.
Siobhan Brocklehurst
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