Friends of Toton Fields Update
13 November, 2008
Recently established environmental group “Friends of Toton Fields” have held two events in close succession. The first, a litter pick and general maintenance day on October 5, attracted a lot of local interest even though it took place of a soggy Sunday morning. Broken fencing and general litter was removed, including an old lawn mower, shopping trolleys and a bed head.
Monday, October 13, saw the group’s first evening event, a presentation by Ainslie Carruthers, chairman of the group, on the wildlife of Toton Fields seen throughout the year. The group’s next presentation is an illustrated talk on December 8th about the history of Toton, by well known conservationist Norman Lewis.
Large Open Area
Toton Fields is a large open area that lies in and around the popular residential village. It includes stretches of the Erewash and its overflow channel, which flows into the Trent at nearby Attenborough Nature Reserve. It also lies alongside Toton Bank, known nationally to railway enthusiasts, which offers fine views of both beautiful countryside and interesting Victorian industrial landscape.
The area has suffered in the past with pollution and poor maintenance, but has begun to improve over recent years. The group wants to encourage more biodiversity along an important local wildlife corridor, and hopes to soon see the river banks and fields home to all manner of indigenous plants and creatures, including the water vole, which disappeared when the environment became too hostile for it.
Website
The Friends of Toton Fields www.freewebs.com/friendsoftotonfields was officially established in April 2008 in partnership with Broxtowe Borough Council, Groundwork Greater Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. It aims to study, make known, conserve, enhance and protect the area of land collectively known as Toton Fields (comprising Manor Farm Recreation Ground, Banks Road Open Space and contiguous land adjoining Toton Sidings) as a generally accessible place of natural interest and biodiversity.
Broxtowe Borough Council has asked the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust to prepare a management plan for the area. This will enable the council apply to Natural England for the area to be designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
By News Correspondent.
