Located on the former site of Shirebrook Colliery, one of several North Derbyshire collieries sunk in the 1890s, Brook Park was substantially modernised in the 1960s before closure in the 1980s. The land was acquired by the East Midlands Development Agency and restoration began on the old colliery site in 2003.
Restoration of the 37-hectare site took place in several phases, including the planting of some trees to create 19 hectares of woodland. A major feature of the Brook Park restoration was the planting of 10km hedgerows along the highway verges and existing field boundaries, helping to create sheltered meadows and providing valuable habitats while recreating a traditional landscape.
On warm summer days the meadows can be alive with butterflies and other insects, including the Dingy skipper, which has suffered serious declines nationally.
Open year round
On street parking
A network of footpaths comprised mainly of non-bonded crushed material. Most are around 1.5 metres wide, but there are narrower trails through wooded areas which are unsurfaced. Paths vary in gradient from flat to 1:10 or steeper. There are a limited number of seating areas at varied intervals throughout the site, most in excess of 500m apart. Access onto site is through access control barriers which permit motorised buggies.
Maintained footpaths
Dogs welcome
Groundwork
Meadow Lane,
Shirebrook,
Mansfield,
Nottingham,
NG19 8RU
Managed in partnership with Groundwork
