Natural England

Two areas of land close to Colne, Alkincoates Woodland and at Greenfield Road, have been designated as Local Nature Reserves by Pendle Borough Council in consultation with Natural England.

Natural England is the national body responsible for ensuring that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present and future generations.

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are places with wildlife or geological features that are of special interest locally. They offer people an ideal opportunity to study or learn about nature or simply to enjoy it.

Alkincoates LNR and Greenfield Road LNR join over 1050 LNRs in England and are the first areas to be designated since Natural England was established in October 2006. Natural England brought together parts of The Countryside Agency, English Nature and The Rural Development Service.

Alkincoates Woodland is a 8ha site on the edge of Colne. The council owned former grazed field was planted with trees in 1992 and also comprises a mature woodland, three small ponds and grassland areas. A hard surfaced bridleway enables those in wheelchairs or with prams to get to the middle of the site.

The woodland includes 150 plant species of which 44 are trees and shrubs, for example oak, birch and hazel. 42 bird species have been spotted including thrush, swallow and kestrels. Many species of insect are also present including purple hairstreak, a rare butterfly associated with oak trees.

Greenfield Road is a 3.2 ha site beside Pendle Water. The site includes a woodland planted in 2000, meadowland and a pond. Part of the Water Power Trail goes through the site along the line of a former water channel that brought water to local mills.

In 1993 a survey recorded 119 species at the site and a repeat survey in 2004 logged 153 species including trees, herbaceous plants, butterflies, birds and other animals.

Richard Leafe, north west regional director at Natural England said: “I am delighted by the designations. Both sites have been designated because they are special locally. They have a wide range of habitat easily accessible to the public and are also superb educational resources.

“LNR designation confirms that local people value these areas extremely highly and that the areas need protecting and managing for current and future generations. It’s good news for local people, the flora, fauna and wildlife.”

Both sites are owned by Pendle Borough Council which is working in partnership with Lancashire Wildlife Trust, local friends groups and schools to ensure the sites are successfully managed.

Andrew Laycock, local nature reserve officer for Lancashire Wildlife Trust said “It’s fantastic to see the reserves declared as LNRs. Both the Alkincoates Woodland Nature Reserve Group and the Friends of Greenfield have worked tirelessly to improve their local patch. The declaration is the icing on the cake.”

All the groups have fundraised for work on the LNRs resulting in new leaflets, access improvements, habitat management, volunteer days and school visits. The result is valuable areas of local green space that can be enjoyed by all the community.

Councillor John David, Pendle Council's executive member for the environment added: "There are very few places in Pendle where such rich and valuable habitats are available to the public whilst also being within walking distance of the town.

"Both Local Nature Reserves are very well used and enjoyed by adults and children alike. They are also a valuable resource for local schools, wildlife enthusiasts and those simply wanting to enjoy a walk in the countryside."

Chris Binney, Pendle Council's principal environment officer said: "We are thrilled by the enthusiasm of local people to preserve and enhance these sites. "A group of volunteers have given up their free time to work with a local primary school, planting trees and wild flowers in Alkincoates Woodland.

"They've also worked tirelessly to secure funding for entrance notice boards, bird feeding tables and many other things for the site. It's thanks to such dedicated people that the Local Nature Reserves will thrive and be enjoyed for years to come."

Ends
Issued 15.3.07

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