Gresham Marsh is a nature reserve located off Wilford Lane, West Bridgford owned by the Environment Agency. During the autumn, a group of enthusiastic volunteers, as part of an organised collaboration between the Environment Agency, Rushcliffe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, got stuck in. The work included raking up the arisings following the mowing of the meadow by contractors, repair of the boardwalk and the ubiquitous litter pick.

One historic field pond was restored and seven new ponds of various sizes were excavated. This project was carried out by EMEC Land Management. The site is thought to support woodcock and water rail and the additional open water habitat created will benefit wading and wetland bird species by creating better foraging habitat. The works will also be beneficial for amphibians such as frogs and toads and invertebrates like dragonflies.

LNR is a statutory designation which elevates the status of the marshes and provides a degree of protection.

There is potential for community partnerships as well which Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is leading on with The Nottingham Emmanuel School which has its boundary with the site, as well as other immediate neighbours, which include the two medical practices based at the Embankment Primary Care Centre, Rivermead residents and the RAF Air cadets. All these groups have had a representative at recent meetings inspiring them to get involved linking with them in relation to health and wellbeing and access to nature and potential for them to helping with future work parties.

How you can get involved

For more information about the next work party on Sunday 17^th February contact Ben Driver via email. The group will meet at 10am at the boardwalk entrance with tasks to achieve including litter picking, dead hedging and pruning, as well as scrub clearance. No experience is necessary as guidance will be provided by experienced people but an enthusiasm to get stuck in is a must!

There will also be a guided walk around the site at 7pm on 12^th June by the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trusts South Notts Local Group. Meet at Gresham Park Road but for more information contact Gordon Dyne via email. 

If you would like to get involved with the group planned to be constituted to the site, then contact Ben Driver via email.