This area is situated in the north and west of the site. The area includes the Local Wildlife site, several streams, the existing pond and stands of tree planting.
Proposals for this area should be focussed on protecting and enhancing existing habitats of value. To achieve this public access to this area could be restricted whilst the area could hold livestock which would maintain the vegetation in an environmentally sensitive manner. To enclose the areas, timber fencing and native hedgerow could be used. This could be located adjacent to the existing Public Right of Way which runs alongside the western and northern boundaries of the site. Controlled access into the area for the public could be via styles within the fencing.
This part of the site could also seek to enhance the existing water bodies within the site. Culverted streams could be opened up whilst a series of wetlands can be provided, connected to the existing streams. These measures would improve the biodiversity of the site whilst also helping to slow down surface water runoff and minimise erosion. To improve the biodiversity further the banks of the existing ponds could be regraded to make them more natural. To encourage access into the site via the controlled access points, native woodland and scrub could be provided along parts of the northern boundary of the site. This would also help to improve the biodiversity of the site and create new habitats.
Final proposals will be informed and determined through ecological surveys of the site.
Grazing area
This smaller area in the western side of the site could be used to house livestock or other animals. As with the eco zone this would enable the grassland to be maintained in an environmentally sensitive manner. The area could be fenced off and bounded by native hedgerow, creating valuable habitat.
Camping and education
In this part of the site there is an opportunity to provide camping/glamping facilities as well as an educational building or scout hut. Camping pods, service and educational buildings could be nestled into the edge of the existing blocks of woodland and could take advantage of the surrounding landform and enclosure. The large areas of grass also provide potential areas for tents. To secure these areas and to manage livestock fencing and hedgerows could be used.
The site is centrally located to 3 National Cycle Routes as well as the Stephenson Trail. Users of these routes, as well as nature and heritage enthusiasts may want to stay here. The accommodation could also be appealing to scouts, guides and school groups.
Livestock area and garden centre
A livestock area and a garden centre could be located close to the existing road and building on a relatively flat piece of land. Access to the garden centre could be gained via the existing building. Both these areas could be easily surveilled from the building whilst maintenance access could be gained via the existing service yard (which could be extended if required). The area is large enough to house 4 polytunnels and an outdoor plant area whilst the livestock area could accommodate a range of buildings. The areas are well connected to the wider site via the existing Public Right of Way. It may also be possible that the livestock area could be used as a visitor attraction, possibly bringing in further revenue.
Visitor centre, interpretation and heritage
This area includes the existing building and carpark. Currently the carpark and surrounding area are unattractive. It would be possible to rearrange the carpark to make more efficient use of the space whilst creating a much more attractive entrance into the site. Native hedgerow, wildflower verges, tree planting and a wetland area could all contribute to creating a more environmentally friendly and sustainable landscape which people would want to visit. From the carpark access into either the building, via a new paved plaza, or into the wider site could be possible. There is also an opportunity to utilise the 2 raised lawn areas which were part of the previous golf course as places to rest, eat and gain long distance views.
As part of any development of the site improvements to the Stephenson Trail should be made. These could include creation of a more prominent and obvious start to the trail as well as some kind of interpretation. It could also be possible to install a miniature railway on the lines of the historic rail line.
Country Park - Open Access
This large section of the site could be used as a place for visitors to gain exercise and informal recreation through the creation of a series of country walks. The walks could be sensitively located around the existing landscape infrastructure and could meander through areas of wildflowers and woodland. From here it would be possible to gain views of the wider countryside beyond whilst also having contact with nature and the natural world. It could also be possible to incorporate seating, bird hides, sculpture and additional interpretation in these areas.
