Mayor to cut ribbon as new nature reserve opens

Mayor Councillor Harry Atkinson will perform the honours as he leads a town hall delegation to the £500,000 project which began a year ago.

Half of the funding for the Pewit Coronation Meadows Local Nature Reserve has come from the Government. The rest is from a levy on businesses involved in the redevelopment of the old Stanton ironworks on the other side of Ilkeston.

Cllr Mark Alfrey, who is the council’s Lead Member for Environment, said: “Our teams – including volunteer tree wardens – have been busy planting more than 1,500 saplings and shrubs. There are new paths and trails – plus what are called ‘open mosaic habitats’ to encourage wildlife. These include banks of wildflowers for butterflies.

 

“We are thrilled at Pewit Coronation Meadows becoming our 12th nature reserve. It is a place the entire community can enjoy – and is yet another boost to the health and wellbeing of the borough’s residents as we embark on a long-term 30-year plan for the land which is being drawn up with the support of Natural England.” 

The project is also being backed by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. 

The opening ceremony is at 11am on Tuesday 24 June. It will take place at the main entrance to the reserve, which is at the bottom of West End Drive.