Bentinck Banks

Bentinck Banks NottsWT cpt Tony Summers

© Tony Summers

Bentinck Banks Notts WT cpt Rebecca Dicks
Rebecca Dicks
G Cragg

Bentinck Banks

A series of dismantled railway lines and their embankments, now covered with grassland and scrub habitats, perfect for insects.

Location

Portland Park, Kirkby in Ashfield
Ashfield
Nottinghamshire
NG17 9LJ

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A static map of Bentinck Banks

Know before you go

Size
5 hectares
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Entry fee

Free access
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Parking information

Parking at Portland park

Grazing animals

Only grazing sheep in the summer

Access

Various footpaths lead to and around the reserve. Contact the Trust for more information.

Dogs

On a lead

Dogs are allowed if under effective control on a lead at all times.

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to July

About the reserve

The reserve lies in the District of Ashfield less than 1km south of Kirkby-in-Ashfield. The reserve also has fine views over the Erewash Valley, the river flowing from the north east and runs through the centre of the reserve, part of its length being through pipes under the former colliery line embankment. The site contains fine examples of calcareous grassland, characterised by such species as greater knapweed, burnet saxifrage, St. John’s wort, and cowslip. In addition, there is a variety of orchid species, some of which are rare in the county.

The dry slopes of some of the embankments (which are reminiscent of the Sussex chalk downs), support such chalk grassland species as tor grass, yellow wort and quaking grass. Other grassland areas on the site tend to be more neutral in character and the nature of the soils of the old track-beds support such ruderal species as rosebay willowherb, ox-eye daisy and silverweed. 

Contact us

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 0115 958 8242
Contact email: info@nottswt.co.uk

Environmental designation

Local Wildlife Site (LWS)
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)