CLARBOROUGH TUNNEL NATURE RESERVE
Introduction
Clarborough Tunnel
nature reserve is a limestone grassland and scrub woodland and covers over 5
hectares. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is managed
by the Trust under licence from Rail Track.
About
the reserve
The reserve consists of four sections; an old orchard and
garden (now grassed over) adjacent to the reserve entrance and three areas
of spoil deposited during cutting of the railway tunnel in 1849 covered with
dense woodland, woodland and scrub, and grassland.
Most of the reserve is over the tunnel itself.
The grassland, which is dominated by upright brome and tor grass, is
rich in flowering plants including cowslip, bird’s foot trefoil, wild
carrot, hoary plantain, knapweed, yellow-wort, spiny restharrow, ox–eye
daisy and several species of orchid. The
reserve is also home to a healthy population of pyramidal orchids.
The scrub consists mainly of hawthorn, privet, sycamore and crab
apple, with woody climbing and rambling plants including rose species, black
bryony and ivy. Buckthorn and
laurel are also present.
Many species of birds can be found in the scrub and woodland and a small pond on the reserve was deepened in 1984 to encourage a greater variety of pond life. Great-crested newts were recorded here in 1985.
Conservation
Management
Management includes scrub clearance, footpath maintenance,
boundary repairs and flora identification. Regular work parties are held and
anyone wishing to get involved in the management of the site should contact
the Trust office.
How
to get there
The reserve (entrance
SK756826) is 3 miles from Retford on the Retford to Gainsborough railway
line. Access is via the unclassified Retford to Leverton road, turning down
a rough track at SK752815 to Rathole Lane Crossing. Enter over a stile. It
is open to the public at all times and we ask visitors to keep to the paths.
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