Wild North [06/02/2001]
From the collection of
From the collection of
Breathing new life into a dusty old workplace; the surprising future of a redundant mine.
Created from the former Rye Hill surface coal mine, Rainton Meadows nature reserve has become a significant area for wildlife in the relatively short time since it was established. Its varied habitats have encouraged visits from 200 recorded species of birds, and its neighbouring site, Joe's Pond, has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The common pochard (a vulnerable threatened species) winters alongside tufted ducks and great crested grebes.