Blidworth Colliery opened in 1924, built on farmland between
the villages of Rainworth and Blidworth. The current location of Tippings Wood
LNR was one of the colliery spoil tips. In 1989 with the
closure of the colliery reclamation of the site began, and
thousands of trees were planted to form Tippings Wood. A variety of other
habitats, including wetlands and grasslands were also created on the former
spoil tip. As the habitats have developed and matured over the last fifteen
years careful management has been required to ensure we make the most of the
site for both people and wildlife. Much of the work is done on a voluntary basis
by the Friends of Tippings Wood in conjunction with the
Sherwood Forest Community Rangers. Contact
us to find out more about volunteering.
Tippings Wood includes a number of important habitats. The
largest area is broadleaved woodland, which contains a variety of species in
particular oak and birch. Alongside the woodland there is a wetland area
consisting of open water and marsh and there are a number of grassland areas.
These habitats are home to many different species, for example, the wetland is
inhabited by many plants including Reedmace and is frequented by many different
damselflies and dragonflies. The Bee Orchid, a flower typical of post-industrial
sites, and Painted Lady butterflies are among the other species to be seen at
Tippings Wood LNR during the summer months.
In 2000 the remainder of the former colliery site was
restored. This wider area (that includes Tippings Wood LNR) is known as
Boundary Wood. This means that a much larger area is developing
as a place to visit and enjoy nature. Also, National Cycle Route 6
crosses Boundary Wood immediately adjacent to Tippings Wood. This means
that an even wider area is available to explore. In particular the route
supplies a link to nearby Sherwood Pines and Vicar Water Country Park.
