Breck's Plantation
Introduction
Breck’s Plantation is a mixed urban woodland which covers almost 2.5 hectares. Although mostly a plantation woodland, the site provides valuable habitat for wildlife and offers local residents an opportunity to experience nature right on their doorstep. The reserve is managed by the Trust under licence from Nottingham City Council.
About the reserve
Most of the site was planted sometime between 1887 and 1901. This was later added to when the western part was planted with conifers. As a consequence of its artificial origins, the woodland is made up of small stands of oak, ash, sycamore, larch and Norway spruce. In 1994, approximately 80 hybrid black poplars were felled because they were diseased and dangerous. These trees were originally planted as matchstick timber in the 1950s. The area has since been re-planted with oak, ash, rowan and silver birch. Other trees such as elder, blackthorn and birch are also common.
A mixed hawthorn and hazel hedge marks the southern boundary and a hawthorn hedge the western boundary. The woodland is a valuable area for the range of common plants and animals and is popular with local residents.
The ground flora is dominated by tall herbs such as nettles and rosebay willow herb, with open areas of grassland and thickets of bramble. A number of common woodland birds can be seen including all three species of woodpecker, spotted flycatcher, treecreeper, greenfinch and fieldfare. Wood mice and a number of butterflies and other invertebrates can also be seen.
Conservation management
As with most of the woodlands in the city, rubbish dumping is a constant problem. Management objectives include maintaining the site as a valuable amenity and educational resource for the local community, whilst enhancing the woodland’s value for wildlife. The management priorities at this site are to maintain the re-stocked poplar area, and reduce fly tipping. Other tasks include the installation and maintenance of nest boxes, selective tree removal and re-planting with a range of native tree and shrub species.
How to get there
The plantation lies to the east of Clarewood Grove, Clifton Estate, and access is available from this side (map ref. SK 553333). The eastern boundary is Summerwood Lane and there is an entrance to the plantation opposite the playing fields. The site is open to the public at all times.
Further Information
If you would like further details about the reserve, or if you are interested in getting involved in the management of the site, please call the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust office on 0115 958 8242.
