Borough Council to turn meadow into new nature haven

Bothe Meadows (Credit: EBC)

A new beauty spot is to be created by Erewash Borough Council on grassland it owns – with the potential for it to be turned into a wood that would be a haven for wildlife.

The proposed transformation is at Bothe Meadows next to Sawley’s All Saints Church. Re-fencing is currently taking place at the site on Tamworth Road, which was formerly rented out for grazing. Existing trees that are dying and in need of removal are being dealt with.

One option is for the land to become a healthy new wood that the whole community can enjoy.

The southern section of Bothe Meadows is described as ideal for creating wet woodland because it routinely floods. In Medieval times it was used as fishponds for the nearby abbey.

Cllr Mark Alfrey, who is Erewash’s Lead Member for Environment, said: “This would enhance the local biodiversity and provide key habitats as well as slow and contain flood waters.”

The northern part could become a “food forest” such as a mixed fruit orchard. Volunteers would be sought to maintain it.

Cllr Alfrey said: “There is potential for collaboration with networks such as Incredible Edible and Sustainable Food Places to help facilitate this. Our aim is to co-create this project with key members of the local community and professional partners. This is a prime opportunity to develop something that is beneficial to both nature and the community.”