Rainworth Water LNR was once part of Rufford Colliery. The site is a unique landscape created as colliery spoil was piled steeply around the watercourse, forming a giant bowl. This is now at the heart of the LNR. During the restoration of the spoil tip thousands of trees were planted to stabilise the steep ground. These now form large areas of broadleaved and mixed woodland. Alongside the woodland several other habitats also exist. Rainworth Water itself is a valuable wetland habitat consisting of pools, shallows and meanders to create a natural appearance. Beside the watercourse marshy areas have developed since restoration. Open grassland and dense scrub have also developed naturally since restoration. Some maintenance work is undertaken on these habitats by the Friends of Tippings Wood. Contact us to find out more about volunteering with the Friends of Tippings Wood at Rainworth Water (or Tippings Wood).
The variety of habitats present at Rainworth Water means that a broad range of species is supported. In particular, the wetland habitat is characterised by dragonflies and damselflies. These are an indication that Rainworth Water is relatively unpolluted and recovering from its industrial past. The scrub areas provide food and shelter for insect eating birds such as the chiffchaff. Some of the open grassland areas support a colony of Dingy Skipper butterflies, which are rare within Nottinghamshire.
Unlike many of our restored colliery sites where public access is actively encouraged, Rainworth Water is much quieter. It exists as a hidden gem for those wishing to discover a quiet 'wilderness'. We do ask visitors to respect the peace and tranquillity wildlife finds at Rainworth Water by staying on footpaths and trying to avoid disturbing plants and animals.
