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Dereliction and Redevelopment
The wildlife returns
As time passed weeds and scrub began to grow around the buildings on the site, which became increasingly dilapidated. Slowly at first, but with increasing confidence, small birds and mammals came seeking food and shelter, then they settled to rear their young. Predators followed them. The Ruddington Local History Quarterly Newsletters of the time contained a Nature Report in each issue, and often reported on wild life seen on the Depot. Newsletter No. 79 of July 1987 recorded:
“There has been a lapwing nesting right out in the open on the Depot up Asher Lane. It has frequently been harried by crows, but has persistently sat on its nest guarded by its partner.”
Newsletter No. 74 of April 1986 recorded:
"The most notable ornithological event of the winter has been the presence of up to four short-eared owls on the Ordnance Depot since before Christmas. Since the closure of the site the grass verges have become overgrown and provide the perfect habitat for short-tailed voles which are the favourite prey of owls. They are hunting in the daytime, so many people have been able to watch these owls slowly falling, gliding and soaring on long tapering wings around the bunkers and buildings of the Depot.”
The Story > Chapter 9 > Section 9.03