Former Pewit Golf Course in Ilkeston to Become £500,000 Nature Reserve

The former Pewit Golf Course in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, which closed in 2022 due to financial losses, is set to be transformed into a £500,000 nature reserve called the Pewit Coronation Meadows Local Nature Reserve. Erewash Borough Council had initially planned to sell a portion of the 25-acre site for housing development, but following a campaign by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to prevent housebuilding on the proposed reserve, the council has rejected those plans.

Instead, the council will invest the full £500,000 to open the entire site as a public green space. Half of the funding for the project is coming from the government's leveling-up investment, while the other half is from money paid to the council by businesses involved in the redevelopment of the old Stanton ironworks. Work on transforming the site into a nature reserve is expected to begin soon.

The former golf course's pavilion building may be repurposed as an educational center and coffee shop. The council says the plans have been welcomed by Natural England and the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Why this matters: The transformation of the former golf course into a nature reserve highlights the growing importance of preserving green spaces and wildlife habitats in urban areas. It also demonstrates how local communities and conservation organizations can work together with local authorities to protect and enhance natural environments for the benefit of both people and wildlife.

Councillor Michael Powell, Erewash Borough Council's lead member for regeneration and planning, said: "We are delighted to be able to announce that the former Pewit Golf Course will be transformed into a new nature reserve for the whole community to enjoy. This is a fantastic opportunity to create a valuable green space that will benefit both wildlife and local residents."

Key Takeaways

• Former Pewit Golf Course in Ilkeston to become £500K nature reserve.
• Erewash Council rejected housing plans after Derbyshire Wildlife Trust campaign.
• Funding from government's leveling-up and redevelopment of Stanton ironworks.
• Pavilion may be repurposed as educational center and coffee shop.
• Project welcomed by Natural England and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.