Barton-in-Fabis Footpath Closure 11th Dec to 10th June 2007

Construction Work to cause certain disaster to Flora and Fauna

Robert Hoare writes

"I have just found out that the footpath between grid reference points SK 5256 3280 and SK 5346 3401 that runs through Branshill Wood is to be closed off to the public from 11/12/2006 to 10/06/2007. The prohibition to this area is to enable the construction of a new water pipeline to be layed through the woodland.

This is a very sensitive time to start construction work as it will be ongoing throughout the breeding season and will be total disaster for breeding birds in the area. This year I have carried out a survey of birds breeding in the area and several red and amber listed birds were found to use the area to nest, the area also holds one of Nottinghams largest Heronry’s that return to the wood to breed as early as February. Several pairs of Common Buzzard are holding territory in Branshill wood and if they are given the chance this rare raptor for Nottingham will almost certainly nest in the woodland next year. The rough scrub and hedgerows where the construction work will pass are nesting places for Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Bullfinch, Song Thrush and many passerines returning to the area in spring.

The effect that the construction work will have on the breeding birds and the flora and fauna of the area will be disastrous. If work was halted and planned to start in the month of August the work could be completed by January without any disturbance to the breeding birds of the area. It seems to me that this work has been planned without any consideration to the flora and fauna of the area.

I myself have worked in the construction industry for the last 20 years and know what the effect this work will have on the area if the work is not properly planned. The laying of new water pipeline usury involves excavating a 1-metre deep trench. This work will therefore cause certain damage to tree roots that are in line with the proposed work.

I have set up a petition against this work on my website cliftonbirds.com".

You can help by writing to

There are several recent sightings of interesting birds in this area including Red-tailed Hawk, Stonechats, Tree Sparrows and Corn Buntings. For more details see Robert’s web site cliftonbirds.com.

Rob has had a reply from the footpaths officer of Nottinghamshire County Council saying the works have been delayed til early January. To read it see Rob’s web site.