Mansfield & Ashfield Local Members Group

The Hermitage LNR (SK521 598).

 The site is an old disused millpond holding eutrophic standing water and Phragmites reed beds both Local Biodiversity Action Plan Habitats (with the eutrophic water being National BAP habitat). Water enters the site from the overflow from Kings Mill Reservoir and also via an outfall from Ashfield Sewage Works and exits through culverts situated on the east of the site.

The millpond is surrounded by mature deciduous woodland dominated by Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Oak (Quercus robor) and Sycamore (Crataegus pseudoplatanus) which is being felled, as it is non-native. There is the occasional Holly (Ilex aquifolium) and Yew (Taxus baccata) probably planted when this area was part of the gardens of Hermitage House. The under storey contains Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Elder (Sambucus nigra). Ground cover is in some areas sparse, but plants of interest include ancient woodland indicators such as Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non scriptus), Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) and Dogs Mercury (Mercurialis perennis). With the Violets (Viola rivinana) and Cowslips (Primula veris) present probably due too recent seeding by MDC.

There are a number of potential bat roost sites in the surrounding trees, these have been supplemented by the provision of twenty-one bat boxes which will be checked during the autumn to see if they had been used. There have been reports of good numbers of bats foraging over the LNR but no species list has been compiled.

A total of 46 species of bird have been recorded with 42 species having bred, this includes breeding Grey Heron (eleven nests 2004). Pochard between 3 and 8 females present during the breeding season representing about 3% of the British breeding population. Also present are pairs of Stock Dove, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Tit, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting. Other species of note recorded include a single record of three Firecrest and one Hawfinch.

The site is not suitable at present for the disabled, as the only formal access is via a flight of steep steps leading from Kings Lodge Drive.

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