Former Bradley Surface Mine Site to Become New Nature Reserve in County Durham
A significant environmental transformation is underway in County Durham as a former surface mine site is set to be reborn as a new nature reserve. Regional employer Banks Mining has agreed to donate the land and provide funds for its long-term management to Durham Wildlife Trust.
Land Donation and Financial Support for Conservation
Banks Mining, which operated the Bradley surface mine between Leadgate and Dipton from 2018 to 2020, has gifted the 21-hectare site to the Trust. The family-owned firm has also established a £127,000 fund to support the creation and maintenance of the reserve, which will be named Billingside Meadows. This initial funding will be supplemented by ongoing annual support for a further seven years, ensuring the site thrives as a habitat for wildlife and a destination for visitors.
Restoration and Ecological Management Plans
Following the mine's closure, Banks Mining carried out a full restoration of the site in 2021. As part of the new reserve's development, Durham Wildlife Trust plans to introduce Exmoor ponies and native cattle to graze the area. This grazing strategy aims to create a varied plant structure that will support a diverse mix of wildflowers and invertebrates, enhancing biodiversity.
The reserve will feature grasslands, wetlands, and mixed scrub, along with accessible footpaths to maximize public enjoyment. Visitors can expect to see bird species such as lapwing and skylark breeding on the open grasslands, as well as dabbling ducks on the ponds throughout the year.
Community Involvement and Volunteer Opportunities
Durham Wildlife Trust is actively seeking to increase the number of local volunteers to assist with the creation and ongoing management of Billingside Meadows. This community engagement builds on previous initiatives, such as last year's creation of the 18-hectare Pontop Valley Woodland on the Bradley site, where local schools, charities, and community groups planted around 36,000 trees and shrubs over three months.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Louise Harrison of Banks Mining commented, "Many of our former surface mines have been transformed into well-used community resources over the last four decades as part of our restoration work. We're excited to add the former Bradley site to this number. Billingside Meadows will be a wonderful place for people to walk, play, or just spend time, and Durham Wildlife Trust's expertise makes them the ideal partner."
Andrew Wadds, Reserves Manager for Durham Wildlife Trust, added, "We are pleased to launch the new Billingside Meadows nature reserve and look forward to working with our volunteers to further restore the site for nature. Our work for wildlife is made possible thanks to fantastic support from our members and volunteers."
Broader Conservation Context
Banks Mining has a strong track record in environmental restoration, having restored all 120 surface mine sites it operated across northern England and Scotland over 49 years, planting more than 1.7 million trees in the process. Durham Wildlife Trust manages over 50 nature reserves between the Tees and the Tyne and continues to acquire new sites to help nature recover and bring wildlife into urban areas.
This project represents a collaborative effort to turn an industrial site into a thriving natural habitat, benefiting both local ecosystems and the community.
