Proposal for three new nature reserves in Rushcliffe
Proposal for three new nature reserves in Rushcliffe
Last updated: 16/6/2026
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s(RBC) Cabinet is set to discuss the potential creation of three new nature reserves.
A report has recommended its Cabinet approve a declaration is made for the sites at Meadow Park in East Leake, Springdale Wood in East Bridgford and The Green Line in West Bridgford at its meeting on June 23.
In line with the Council’s Nature Conservation Strategy to identify and designate new sites, it has previously declared eight potential local nature reserve locations in the Borough as protected areas designated due to their special natural interest and educational value.
Now three are set to be explored further with the discussion at the meeting focussing on:
·Meadow Park in East Leake, 18 hectares given to the Council in 1995 as a permanent leisure facility for local residents. The Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Records Centre (NBGRC) designated it a Local Wildlife Site in 2024. Owned by RBC, its day-to-day management has been in the hands of East Leake Parish Council and Friends of Meadow Park volunteers since 2009.
·Springdale Wood in East Bridgford is a 1.4 hecatre site created by The Woodland Trust in November 1999, on former arable land as one of 200 ‘Woods on Your Doorstep’ across the UK. East Bridgford Parish Council took a 999-year Lease that commenced in 2016 and its day-to-day management is provided by East Bridgford Wildlife and Biodiversity Community Interest Company.
·The Green Line in West Bridgford is part of a former railway between Melton Road and Boundary Road and has been used as nature area and public open space since 1988. It has nature conservation interest and is designated a Local Wildlife Site by the NGBRC and its day-to-day management is shared with the Green Line Conservation Group.
Natural England has been consulted on the proposals to designate these sites for the benefit of the local community in terms of outdoor recreation and for wildlife and green infrastructure connectivity.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “It’s very positive Cabinet will discuss where we can again consider increasing and enhancing our biodiversity duty at sites across the Borough.
“They could create even more havens for wildlife and build on their current greenery with even more investment and protection and allow habitats in these locations to thrive further.
“If agreed, we look forward to working with existing groups associated with the sites to hear where we can work together for the benefit of all.”
