A NATURE haven in Great Bowden which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest is being restored to make it more visitor-friendly.

Great Bowden Borrowpit, off Langton Road, was designated as a SSSI by the Government's English Nature agency in 1981 due to its community of plants uncommon in the Midlands.

It was created in the 1880s when clay was extracted to create nearby railway embankments and when the site was abandoned it became filled with rainwater and an unusual range of marsh and fen plants colonised the area.

In recent years the site has become overgrown with hawthorn and other scrub but The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is now working with volunteers to restore the site.
About ten volunteers began cutting back some of the vegetation on Tuesday to help create a pathway around the site.

The trust's director Simon Bentley said: "The borrowpit is a local treasure and the work day on Tuesday was the start of an ongoing programme to restore the site to its full natural potential.

"Local people have taken a key interest in this site and their commitment and involvement going forwards is crucial."
Mr Bentley added that the trust would eventually introduce guided walks of the area when the project is completed.
The borrowpit, which is about the size of four football pitches, is abundant with cotton grass and sphagnum moss, both of which are rare for the region. They became prevalent at the site because the plants prefer low-nutrient rainwater. The plants are more common in peatland and moorland areas.

The site was bought by the Market Harborough and The Bowdens Charity within the last few years and its steward Jim Jacobs said: "It's good to be working in partnership with the trust to enhance this important area for both wildlife and people."

Further work days are scheduled for later in the winter. Anyone who would like to volunteer can ring the trust on 0116 2720444.