A project to remove tonnes of silt from the Mill Pool at the Carrs Nature Reserve is under way in preparation for dredging work due to commence in mid to late August.

Mansfield District Council has started the process of dropping the water levels in the pool to let the reed bed dry out as much as possible, prior to removal of the silt. 

The council has been advised by the Environment Agency that any wildlife, fish, ducks and birds will settle elsewhere if their habitat is disturbed, but this will not be harmful to them in any way.

If anyone sees an animal, bird or fish in distress, or they witness any danger to the environment such as pollution, flooding or a dangerous tree, they should notify the Environment Agency immediately on their 24-hour emergency hotline 0800 80 70 60.

The water levels of the Mill Pool will be monitored by council staff twice daily, seven days a week, until a contractor has been appointed and work has commenced to clear the site. The silt will be stored on the nature reserve just off the flood plains and once dried, will be re-used for landscaping purposes.

Cllr Shields, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “We are delighted that work is underway to restore the Mill Pool back to its former beauty and create a sustainable environment for wildlife. We have been working hard to bring about these improvements and deal with the high levels of silt, which have caused so many problems. I would ask people to bear with us and notify us if they have any concerns, while this work is being carried out.”