MEDEN TRAIL NATURE RESERVE
Introduction
The
nature reserve is a disused railway track and now contains areas of
grassland and woodland. The site covers over 8 ½ hectares and is a Local
Nature Reserve, which includes a section designated as Site of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is owned by Mansfield District Council and
leased to the Wildlife Trust.
About
the reserve
The
site contains some of the best remaining calcareous grassland in the county.
It also includes fine examples of calcareous woodland and scrub as well as
interesting limestone crags and fissures. The River Meden, which passes
through the Vale, suffers from pollution but still has important marsh and
aquatic communities and is lined with alders. The grassland is dominated by
tor grass but includes many characteristic wild flowers such as wild basil,
great burnet saxifrage and nettle-leaved bellflower. The woodland is
typically ash/elm with a rich shrub layer dominated by hazel. The ground
flora supports many ancient woodland indicators including yellow archangel,
sweet woodruff and dog’s mercury. There are many
species of invertebrate including many common butterfly species. The
limestone caves and fissures are of considerable geological and
palaeontological interest. The dry stone walls, which border the railway
track form an unusual feature for Nottinghamshire. The huge and now derelict
Viyella Mills, built of magnesian limestone, straddle the river, which forms
the County boundary. The former rail track is surfaced with acidic ash so
the flora is variable.
All three species of woodpecker can be found although green woodpeckers are scarce. A wide range of woodland birds can be seen along the trail including nuthatch and hawfinch. In the summer many of the warblers can be heard if not seen. Grey wagtails have been recorded.
How to get there
The
reserve is open to the public and it forms part of the more extensive
Pleasley Trails network. There are several access points into the reserve,
but the main car parks are at Outgang Lane (SK 501650), the Western end (SK
536646) and the Eastern end (SK 527647). There are a number of
well-maintained paths and circular routes within the reserve. There is
access for the disabled at the main car parks to some parts of the trail. The Mills road through the gorge is closed to
vehicles.
Conservation Management
The
main aims of management are to maintain the diversity of habitats and
encourage public access whilst ensuring that the wildlife value of the site
is protected.
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.