South Derbyshire District Council

The site on which the nature area now sits is an area of reclaimed and landscaped land formerly used as a coal stacking yard. When operations ceased, the area was subject to restoration works sometime during the late 1990's.

As a result of these works the site was restored to a mosaic of habitats, with wetland habitat providing a particular area of interest. Several species of locally rare or uncommon birds and plants have been recorded here and in 2005 the nature conservation interest of the site was formally recognised by its designation as a Local Wildlife Site.

It covers just over 10 hectares, and comprises areas of recently planted broadleaved woodland, restored agricultural pasture land, new hedges, areas of open water, ditches, reedbed, swamp, scrub and mature trees.

In 2006 BBC Breathing Places awarded a grant of £10,000 to Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire, working with SDDC & Linton Parish Council, to carry out physical improvement works to improve access onto and around the site. This work was managed by SDDC.

The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has produced a Management Plan for the site which details an annual maintenance regime to protect and enhance existing habitats.

A Management Advisory Group, comprising representation from the site owners, the local community, conservation organisations and other interested individuals and organisations is being set up to deliver the management plan.

For the local community the site provides an opportunity for practical involvement in an environmental project, new recreational access and an educational resource. The 'Friends of Coton Park' are working with South Derbyshire District Council, Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire and the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to deliver a programme of guided walks, practical action days and educational visits.

page ref: SDDC 431

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Badgers Hollow, Coton Park Nature Reserve