Mayor cuts the ribbon as new nature reserve open

Erewash Borough Council’s 12th and newest nature reserve has been officially declared open – with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 25-acre site in Ilkeston on Tuesday 24th June.

Mayor Cllr Harry Atkinson performed the honours as he led a town hall delegation to the £500,000 project which began a year ago.

Half of the funding for the Pewit Coronation Meadows Local Nature Reserve has come from the Government. The rest is from a levy on businesses involved in the redevelopment of the old Stanton ironworks on the other side of Ilkeston.

Cllr Mark Alfrey, Lead Member for Environment, said: “Our teams – including volunteer tree wardens – have been busy planting more than 1,500 saplings and shrubs. There are new paths and trails – plus what are called ‘open mosaic habitats’ to encourage wildlife. These include banks of wildflowers for butterflies.

“We are thrilled at Pewit Coronation Meadows becoming our 12th nature reserve. It is a place the entire community can enjoy – and is yet another boost to the health and wellbeing of the borough’s residents as we embark on a long-term 30-year plan for the land which is being drawn up with the support of Natural England.”

The project is also being backed by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.