A Mansfield mill pond that was “inadvertently” drained causing “catastrophic” impacts to local wildlife is refilling and birds are beginning to return to the area.

Mansfield Wildlife Rescue has been working with Bolsover District Council (BDC) in a bid to restore the body of water at Pleasley Vale Business Park and encourage wildlife back to the area.

Cheryl Martins, who runs Mansfield Wildlife Rescue, said whilst there was still work to do wildlife is beginning to return to the ponds.

The council admitted the mill pond was drained “inadvertently ahead of schedule” in March, during peek breeding season, as part of what it said was a "major programme of improvement works".

Duck, swans, toads and frogs were amongst the animals left stranded and seen struggling to wade through the barren bed left behind after a body of water at Pleasley Vale Business Park was emptied by Bolsover District Council (BDC).

placeholder image — Duck, swans, toads and frogs were amongst the animals left stranded and seen struggling to wade through the barren bed left behind after a body of water at Pleasley Vale Business Park was emptied by Bolsover District Council (BDC).

Lack of rainfall and issues with refilling the pond caused further uncertainty for the area, once rich with diverse wildlife.

Cheryl Martins, who runs Mansfield Wildlife Rescue posted about the positive update on the charity’s Facebook page.

The post reads: “A few weeks ago, Bolsover District Council approached us and asked for our assistance in supporting the wildlife at Mill Ponds due to issues they had encountered during the ongoing works.

“Working under licence from Natural England, we have been closely monitoring all active nests on site and ensuring that all chicks hatched safely and were protected, allowing the necessary works to continue responsibly. With the full permission and support of those involved, we have also been carrying out continuous feeding over the last few weeks to encourage the birds away from the active works area and into safer locations.

The pond is refilling and wildlife is returning to the area.

“We are now pleased to report that the pond is refilling and the birds are beginning to return to the area. This is a positive step forward and one we know many people have been waiting to see.”

Ms Martins said there was still a “significant amount of work to be completed” including further planting and habitat restoration across the site.

She added: “We will continue to monitor the wildlife closely and work alongside both Bolsover District Council and the contractors to ensure the best possible outcome for the wildlife and the habitat as the project progresses.

“We would like to thank everyone for their patience, support and concern throughout this process. While there is still work ahead, it is encouraging to see positive progress being made and wildlife beginning to return to the ponds.”

A number of animals including ducks, swans, toads and frogs were amongst those left stranded and seen struggling to wade through the barren bed left behind after the pond at Pleasley Vale Business Park was emptied.

Ms Martins said the move had affected the bird nesting season and had resulted in catastrophic short term effects and long term implications on the habitat.

The council appointed P&D Environmental Ltd to carry out the revised scheme of river and millpond environmental and flood mitigation improvements at the business park, at Outgang Lane, Pleasley Vale, to protect its historic mill buildings from floodwater and to carry out further urgent investigative works to the mill pond dam walls and culverts.

The authority said this programme of works formed part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to “preserving the heritage of Pleasley Vale, safeguarding it from flood damage, and ensuring it remains a safe, attractive and environmentally rich location for businesses, visitors and wildlife.”

BDC has been contacted for comment.