RESERVE FACT SHEET

BRECKS PLANTATION

SIZE: 6 acres ................................................................ Click here for Site Map

RESERVE TYPE: Urban mixed plantation.

STATUS: The reserve is managed by the Nottingham Urban Wildlife Scheme (NWT) under licence from the City Council.

ACCESS: The plantation lies to the east of Clarewood Grove, Clifton Estate and access (553333) is available from this side. The eastern boundary is Summerwood Lane and there is an entrance to the plantation opposite the playing fields. The site is open to the public at all times.

DESCRIPTION: Most of the site was planted as a mixed woodland at some time between 1887 and 1901. This was later added to when the western part was planted with conifers. As a consequence of its artificial origins the woodland is comprised of small stands of oak, ash, sycamore, larch and Norway spruce. Also to be found on the site are elder, black poplar, blackthorn and birch. A mixed hawthorn and hazel hedge delineates the southern boundary and a hawthorn hedge the western boundary.

The ground flora is species poor and dominated by a mosaic of tall herb communities of nettles and rosebay willowherb, open areas of grassland and thickets of bramble. A number of common woodland birds can be seen including woodcock, spotted flycatcher, treecreeper, greenfinch and fieldfare. Wood mice and a small number of butterflies and other invertebrates can also seen. The site is regularly used as an amenity woodland by local residents and a scout group. It is a valuable area for the range of common plants and animals it supports and which occur on the doorsteps of a large number of people resident in the Clifton housing estate.

CONSERVATION AIMS/PROBLEMS: As with most of the woodlands in the City rubbish dumping is a constant problem. Management objectives include maintaining the site as a valuable amenity and educational resource whilst enhancing the habitat and species diversity of the wood. Future management will include the erection of an information board, the provision of educational material, installation of nestboxes, selective tree removal and underplanting with a range of native tree and shrub species.

CONTACT: John & Janet Bradbury, 321 Summerwood Lane, Clifton, Nottingham

The Trust is grateful to Nottingham City Council for all its assistance in the management of this reserve.