Meeting details

Meet at 09.30 at SK59355915 (NG21 0HR) along the road (Rufford Colliery Lane) near the sign for access to Rainworth Heath.
Leader: Mags Crittenden

This heathland was recreated on coal spoil from the old Rufford colliery and lies adjacent to Rainworth Heath SSSI. In the restoration process, Rufford Heathland received Calluna brash from Budby South Forest SSSI, some of the few remaining patches of lowland heathland in Notts. , Regular mowing takes place to generate a mutli-stage growth structure in the Calluna. Although there are a number of bridleways around the perimeter of the Rufford site, the site is still used by the public (there is a lake at the south end of the heathland). The ground is often disturbed by off-road vehicles, both motorbikes and 4×4’s and the proximity to urban centres and the lack of containment means that Rufford cannot be grazed. However, it is an excellent example of well managed urban heathland. There is already a short list for the site including Heterogemma capitata (syn. Lophozia capitata), but a survey of vascular plants have shown a range of regional and national rarities. It may well be possible that the site is now even richer.