New nature reserve approved for Derbyshire

Plans for a nature reserve in Derbyshire that residents will help to name has been given the green light.

The new reserve, at the site of the former Pewit Golf Course, is one of six Shared Prosperity Funding projects that the town of Ilkeston is set to benefit from.

A new Local Nature Reserve is set to be created near Ilkeston (Roger Ridley).

The public consultation, approved by Council Executive at its February meeting, will ask for residents' views on the site plan and its name, with suggestions that it could see the nature reserve named in tribute to the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with 'Jubilee Local Nature Reserve' among the options.

The project will be possible following the recent award of £250k as part of the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, alongside £261k for the project funded by a section 106 payment linked to the former Stanton Ironworks. The funding will also support biodiversity enhancements at Manor Floods Local Nature Reserve.

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, said: "I look forward to hearing people's views on the nature reserve project in Ilkeston and what they would like it to be called. The plans for the area will include the planting of lots of trees to benefit the environment and help address the impact of climate change. It will be a lovely place for people to relax and enjoy wildlife surrounded by nature."