Battram Turn North

North West Leicestershire District Council bought this 3.23 ha site in Ellistown from British Coal in 1994 to create a pocket park for both nature conservation and informal recreation. The project was also funded by the Rural Development Commision and the Landmark North West countryside project. Enclosed by hedgerow, the site offers and area of open access. An open meadow with specimen trees (including a range of native species and fruit trees) is the main feature of the site. Planting of broadleaved species, with a high proportion of flowering trees and shrubs, makes the link between the site and its past history as a garden, as well as enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Extension of an existing wetland flash has created a shallow pool and marshland with associated wetland species, such as marsh marigold.