2.3 Evaluation
2.3.1 Context
2.3.2 Diversity
2.3.3 Naturalness
2.3.4 Rarity
2.3.5 Fragility
2.3.6 Typicalness
2.3.7 Ecological position
2.3.8 Potential
2.3.9 Intrinsic appeal
Maun Valley Park extends to 19.2 hectares, the largest of the proposed Local
Nature Reserves in Mansfield to date. The site follows the course of the River Maun, and is relatively elongated in shape. The location of the site close to Mansfield and Mansfield Woodhouse means that the extent of the site is unusual, and therefore provides enhanced potential or wildlife. The site also forms part of a network of sites discusses in 4.2 Context.
2.3.1 Context
As discussed previously, Maun Valley Park lies near the centre of Mansfield and Mansfield Woodhouse. The park is situated along the River Maun, one of important wildlife corridors outlined in Mansfield’s Nature Conservation Strategy.
The area of the park is outlined as a wildlife reservoir zone within the above Strategy.
To the north and east, the wildlife corridor continues into a rural environment, linking to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserve of Spa Ponds. Beyond this, there are links out to the wider landscape out of Mansfield District, to Birklands and Budby etc.
To the direct east of the site across Barringer Road, is the proposed Local Nature Reserve of Ravensdale.
This system of almost inter -locking and adjoining sites will create an important mosaic of protected open greenspace. It is important therefore not to view the site in isolation, but as part of a system of sites.
Maun Valley Park falls within the area of the Sherwood Forest Initiative and the Greenwood Community Forest Area.
2.3.2 Diversity
The range of differing habitats and the presence of Ancient Woodland within and adjoining Maun Valley Park contribute to the area’s diversity.
There is a range of bird species present on the site including Mallard, Moorhen, Magpie, Blackbird, Wood Pigeon, Chaffinch, Robin, Chiffchaff, Grey Wagtail and Bullfinch, although there is little information relating to breeding birds present.
Ecological surveys have been undertaken on the site looking at Water Voles, Amphibians, Reptiles and Crayfish.
There were unfortunately no reptile recordings for the site possibly due to levels of disturbance, predation and competition for food. For further information please refer to the survey at Appendix 2.
The White clawed crayfish survey undertaken by EMEC (please refer to Appendix 3) suggested that there would be no Crayfish present within Maun Valley Park due to the low water quality.
The Water Vole survey (please refer to the record sheets at Appendix 4) showed very little evidence for Water Voles present on the site. A range of factors was identified including competition from high levels of brown rats, poor habitat and disturbance.
During the above surveys Chub, Roach and Perch were identified in the river and the following butterflies were seen: Speckled Wood, Large White, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral.
2.3.3 Naturalness
The Ancient Woodland areas present in Maun Valley Park appear to be natural.
The steep slopes and escarpments on which the woodlands are situated would make management of these areas very difficult and it probably due to this that the woodlands have remained to the present.
The grassland areas within the are improved and semi-improved habitats.
Grassland areas and water meadows would traditionally have been located in the flood plain area of the river. The grassland areas are currently under the management of Mansfield District Council Leisure Services Department. The park has areas of amenity grassland and some scattered tree planting which gives the area a ‘park’ feel, however the mowing regimes implemented on the site allow other areas to have a more natural, less contrived appearance.
2.3.4 Rarity
Ecological survey work (previously outlined) is required to provide full information on the species present and their rarity, although some rare species are present in the woodland areas for example wood melick (Melica uniflora).
The site supports ancient woodland, which is rare within Mansfield District, and increasingly at a regional and national level. The urban fringe location of the woodlands makes the area even more special.
2.3.5 Fragility
The urban fringe location of the site is a cause for concern. The area has suffered in the past from litter accumulation, especially in the woodland areas.
There is a range of footpaths leading through the grassland areas, but very little official public access to the woodland areas. There are however several unofficial footpaths through these areas, and evidence of children’s play. Trampling and erosion may therefore have an impact on the site. The steep slopes and rock faces will however keep this to a minimum.
A sewage treatment works is located next to the site, with impacts on the water quality if the river.
2.3.6 Typicalness
The urban nature of Mansfield town centre results in any green open space is very important for nature conservation. The large extent of grassland and woodland in Maun Valley Park is therefore very important to the District. The woodland on site is ancient natural woodland, predominantly of Oak. This is a typical species of ancient woodland in the locality, but there are very few pockets of natural woodland remaining within the District.
2.3.7 Ecological position
Maun Valley Park is important within Mansfield District, due to the site’s location and in relation to other nearby sites and the overall strategic wildlife network.
The site is a proposed Local Nature Reserve which will, when designated, provide the s ite with extra protection. Local Nature Reserve designation of the site and of the other nearby sites previously discussed will create a mosaic of designated sites along the River Maun corridor. The site has been identified as a
Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, due to the ancient woodland areas.
2.3.8 Potential
The park is very close to Mansfield Woodhouse and the estates surrounding
Ravensdale. It therefore attracts a wide range of recreational and amenity use.
Several schools are located close to the site, thereby enabling increased educational use of the area.
There is the potential for Mansfield District Council to work with local residents to introduce new management to the site to enhance the area for nature conservation. It is hoped that education initiatives will gradually increase public awareness, and that anti-social behaviour (which is not high) will therefore decline.
To the north of the site, beyond Old Mill Lane there are the remains of the Duke of Portland’s water meadow system. These are now disused and have been incorporated into agricultural use. There is the possibility that these could be restored as a major landscape feature in the future, which would link to Maun Valley Park.
The sewage treatment works adjoining the park may also be subject to restoration. This will offer opportunities to extend habitat enhancement work adjoining the proposed Local Nature Reserve site.
2.3.9 Intrinsic appeal
Maun Valley Park has a very countryside atmosphere. It is difficult to believe that the town centre of Mansfield is so close. The steep slopes and mature vegetation screen views of the surrounding landuse. The site’s size, and the different zones and areas within it make exploring the site interesting and it is always possible to find a quiet tranquil area.
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