Donisthorpe Woodland Park

Donisthorpe Woodland Park was created on the site of the former Donisthorpe Colliery, which opened in 1857 and closed, 133 years later, in 1990. Leicestershire County Council acquired the land from British Coal in 1995 and reclamation works took place over the next few years, in partnership with the National Forest Company, English Partnerships and the Forestry Commission. Two thirds of the site were planted with native oak, ash, poplar, grey alder and Corsican pine; in total around 74,000 trees. The Bramborough Brook flows through the centre of Donisthorpe Woodland Park, and the line of the restored Ashby Canal defines its eastern edge. The Park also includes a section of the 3.7 mile (6km) Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail that runs between Spring Cottage and Measham, following the line of the Ashby and Nuneaton joint railway. The railway operated from 1873 to 1931, and served to transport coal from local pits to London and Oxford. The canal footpath also links the Park to the Moira Furnace Museum (an early 19th century iron blast furnace with interactive displays) and the adjoining lime kilns. There are also boat trips along the Ashby Canal from Donisthorpe Woodland Park, through Moira lock to the Conkers Waterside Centre and back. Today the 30 hectare (76 acre) Woodland Park has several surfaced paths suitable for all abilities, meandering around this beautifully transformed site. Interpretation boards chart how the land was restored to create a picturesque new landscape, for all to discover and enjoy.