Nature reserve closed due to safety concerns

A nature reserve in Nottinghamshire will be closed to visitors for months for safety reasons, a council has said.

The Hermitage Local Nature Reserve in Mansfield was shut suddenly on Wednesday following a recent inspection.

Concerns have been raised about the safety of the footpaths by Mansfield District Council due to falling trees and exposed tree roots.

The authority says the site will be closed until at least April next year and funding will need to be secured to pay for repair work.

Following the closure, fencing has been erected at the Kings Mill viaduct and Kings Lodge Drive entrances.

Walls along the pond edge and footpath have also been falling into the pond, causing unsafe access along the footpath.

Further concerns have been raised in relation to the safety of the trees adjacent to the pond edge.

A spokesperson for Mansfield District Council said: "We are expecting the reserve to be closed until at least April 2025 so appropriate funding can be secured and the necessary contract arrangements for the work to be undertaken can be put in place.

"We apologise for the disruption this may cause but reiterate that keeping the public safe is our top priority.

"There are more than 150 green spaces and local nature reserves across Mansfield to enjoy."

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