Residents are set to be consulted on proposals to transform the former Pewit Golf Course in Ilkeston into a family-friendly local nature reserve.
The emerging plans for the proposed Local Nature Reserve at West End Drive look to be given the green light by Council Executive at its February 21st meeting, alongside a public consultation and approval of £261k for the project, funded by a section 106 payment linked to the former Stanton Ironworks. The 106 funding will be combined with the recent award of £250k as part of the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, both of which will also support biodiversity enhancements at Manor Floods local nature reserve.
The consultation will seek people’s views on the site plan and a new name for the nature reserve, with suggestions that it could be named in tribute to the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with ‘Jubilee Local Nature Reserve/Park’ amongst the options.
Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, said: “The new nature reserve will be of fantastic benefit to the community and will help to establish protected areas and conserve many species. It will be a valuable community space where people can enjoy the natural environment around them and to learn about nature.”
The proposed new local nature reserve will further complement the adjacent Straw’s Bridge, Pewit Carr and Manners Flood sites, with ambitions for continual biodiversity improvements for wildlife and for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.
The council would need to develop a 30 year management plan for the site, and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has been engaged in the development of the plans.