SPA PONDS NATURE RESERVE
Introduction
This
6.5 hectare wetland reserve is held on licence from a private owner, and was
established in 1984.
About
the reserve
This wildlife-rich reserve comprises of an interesting mixture of dry acidic grassland and woodland and a series of ponds fed by a spring. Ponds are a rare feature on the Sherwood Sandstone and three of the ponds are medieval in origin, adding to the site’s interest. The River Maun runs adjacent to the reserve.
The
wetland flora and fauna is diverse and includes brooklime, skullcap, yellow
iris, greater tussock-sedge and gypsywort. Oak and ash dominate the
woodland, with alder and sallow close to the ponds. Other grassland plants
include wavy hair-grass, sheep’s fescue, bracken, sheep’s sorrel, wood
sage and gorse. These dry habitats are likely to support a diverse
invertebrate fauna but only limited survey work has yet been carried out.
The reserve is an important site for dragonflies and many butterflies can be also be seen including common species such as small tortoiseshell, meadow brown and brimstone. Kingfisher and little grebe can be seen among many other interesting birds. The adjacent Garibaldi Plantation, a conifer woodland, is worth a look for birds including coal tit and goldcrest.
Conservation
management
Due
to the close proximity of housing, vandalism and rubbish are the two main
problems on the reserve.
How
to get there
The
reserve (Grid Ref. SK 570634) lies about half-a-mile NW of New Clipstone. It
is open to the public, but visitors must keep to the main footpaths. Access
to the site is via the public footpath from Clipstone Drive,
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