Local authority: Northumberland County Council

Postcode of nearby property: NE61 3LF

Site status: Phases 1 and 3 are restored and the aftercare period has been completed. Phase 2 finishes aftercare in 2021.

Background

Between 1997 and 2004 the Pegswood Moor Farm surface coal mine produced 1.4 million tonnes of high quality Northumberland coal, most of which was used to fuel the nearby Alcan Power Station at Lynemouth.

Pegswood Moor Country Park, comprising of three phases, was opened in 2004 as part of the restoration of Banks Mining’s surface coal mining site. The three phases offer rich and varied habitats and community access options from ancient woodland to prime grazing land and a community park.

Restoration and Aftercare

Restoration and aftercare of Phases 1 and 3 are now complete. Phase 2 remains in aftercare until 2021 as following the completion of restoration of Phase 2 it was discovered that clays in the lake lining had not bonded to a watertight standard. Banks Mining was determined to resolve this issue and worked hard over several years with the local community to agree and implement a solution.

This revised design focussed on providing additional paths and walkways for the community to use along with redesigning the lake for aquatic birds such as ducks, gulls, geese and moorhens. The new plan was put into place in 2015 and the new Phase 3 was opened by Ian Lavery, MP for Wansbeck in 2016.

Banks Mining put in place a long term management plan and substantial endowment fund for Pegswood to ensure that it is protected in perpetuity as a community park and can be maintained to a high standard for the local community to enjoy forever.

That same year, Groundwork North East & Cumbria came on board to manage and maintain the Park and deliver environmental, education and conservation volunteer opportunities. They ensure Pegswood is welcoming to all people accessing the park for a variety of community interests.

Since 2016, Banks Mining has invested over £60,000 of additional community grants from the Banks Group Community Fund for Groundwork North East and Cumbria to further develop the site into the thriving community resource that it is today.