Bentinck Void to become protected site
27 May 2010
Natural England has today announced that the much-loved, controversial landscape of Bentinck Void is to be given legal protection for its special wildlife.
The former opencast coal quarry, which lies 3 kilometres south-west of Kirby-in-Ashfield, is a haven for wildlife and is now due to be officially notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England on Tuesday 22 June. The decision to notify the site, considered to be the best breeding site in Nottinghamshire for rare great crested newts, has now been taken, setting in motion an official period of consultation with landowners and affected agencies.
As well as its outstanding population of great crested newts, the former quarry lake, ponds and surrounding land are home to important breeding populations of smooth newts, common frogs and common toads. Breeding amphibians are not represented as features of special interest in any other SSSI in the East Midlands, making the site entirely unique in the region. The boundary also takes in the special habitats of lowland calcareous grassland and flower-rich marshy grassland in the area.
The notification on 22 June will see a small SSSI which currently exists in the area extended by around 30 hectares, to become Annesley Woodhouse Quarries SSSI, providing the entire site with protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The new status will not provide any new public access rights to the land and Bentinck Void will remain in private ownership.
Steve Clifton, Natural England’s Lead SSSI Designations Adviser said: “We are really pleased that we have the approval to notify such an important site for the county, and will now work closely with the landowner to agree the best way forward to ensure that its special features are protected. SSSIs are the country's best wildlife and geological sites and are increasingly important for plants and animals that find it more and more difficult to survive in the wider countryside.”
The news follows the recent decision by Nottinghamshire County Council to turn down plans to turn the void and adjacent coal tip into a landfill site.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Natural England has a legal responsibility to ensure that any SSSI is protected and managed effectively. The Act also dictates that everyone has a responsibility to ensure SSSIs are not damaged, including public bodies who are required to further the conservation and enhancement of the features of interest on SSSIs.
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Notes to editors:
For further information, please contact Melissa Gill, Natural England Communications, 0300 060 2983.
The notification of Bentinck Void extends the existing SSSI – Annesley Woodhouse Quarry (5.04ha) by 29.56ha to a total of 34.6ha. The name of the newly extended SSSI becomes Annesley Woodhouse Quarries.
Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
