Moorbridge
Nature Reserve and Springfield Corner
(sites of the original Bull Well?) are two LNR's (Local Nature Reserves)
that are within just a few minutes walk of the estate, but possibly the
least known of the local public spaces.
Access to Moorbridge Reserve is by the
traffic lights at the junction of Hucknall Road and Moor Road.
Springfield
Corner is
accessible by crossing the railway bridge and turning immediately
right towards the Tram station
The sites cover more
than 2.5 hectares, and were the subject of restoration in 2006/7. The Reserve is claimed to be one of the most important wildlife habitats in
the City and is owned by the City Council but leased to the Wildlife Trust.
It contains a large marsh area, dominated by greater reed mace and tufted
sedge. Plants include skull cap, ladies smock, hemp agrimony, figwort and
yellow flag.
This is a breeding site for reed bunting and reed warblers,
and visitors include linnets, bullfinch, snipe, kestrel and yellow
hammers.
Raised boardwalks
give easy access and good viewing (as at
Jan 2008).
The sites are
divided by the river Leen, and Springfield Corner contains a pleasant
seating area in natural surroundings.
Well worth the short
walk down on a Summers' day or evening!