Page 9 - Annual Report 2014/15

“We are very impressed with the
Land Trust. Whilst you are not a
commercial body you operate
in a business like manner and
our clients greatly appreciate
your input.“
Dr Aidan Marsh
CSA Environmental.

Avenue Washlands

Avenue Washlands is a 16.5 ha former coking works in Derbyshire
and is now so rich in wildlife, it is hard to believe it was once
considered to be part of the most contaminated site in Europe.
Located alongside the River Rother and the main railway
line it is now home to a considerable number of national and species & over
local BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) habitats and species.

This year, focused habitat management by our partner, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust,
has further diversifed the wildlife on the site. Work has included scrub control in the 40,000
wetlands, reedbeds and grasslands and gorse removal to ensure the grasslands
are ready for the spring. Throughout the year, the reserve recorded a variety of
wildlife, including Yellowhammers, Kingfshers, Barn owls, Lapwings, Skylarks and
an excellent sighting of a Hen harrier. The reserve is now also home to Grass snakes, individual records
Water voles, Great crested newts and a variety of orchids and butterfies. at Avenue Washlands since 2007

Silverdale Oliver Road Lagoons

The Void area of Silverdale Country Following a successful partnership between the Land Trust, global property group
Park, Staffordshire, was designated Goodman and Natural England, with support from the Environment Agency and Buglife,
as a ‘Site of Biological Importance’ wetland habitat has been successfully reintroduced to this former power station.
in early 2015. Oliver Road Lagoons in Essex was acquired by the Land Trust in 2015. It is home to important,
rare and endangered wildlife, including 1,200 species of invertebrate (such as the Distinguished
“The Void is an excellent example jumping spider) and has SSSI status. The Land Trust’s sustainable management model will
ensure that this nationally important site will be protected in perpetuity.
of habitats typical of the post-
industrial heritage of Stoke and
urban Newcastle. The mosaic “We are delighted to have delivered
of habitats present is of county a balanced development that has
signifcance due to both the enabled us to create a habitat
lack of this type of habitat and
its ephemeral nature, as well that will protect both invertebrates
as being vitally important for a and birds. Our work has ensured
number of associated species.” that this land is dedicated to
preserving the site’s former status
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
as an area for wildlife diversity, and
that ongoing funds are available
to maintain the habitats of
endangered species.”

Paul Heslop
© Graham Green
© PR Harvey Associate Director, Infrastructure, Goodman. © PR Harvey

Annual Report / the Land Trust 2015 9