A Potted History
Also known as the Old Pit Batch it was formed over 200 years ago within the Somerset Coalfield. The now capped mine shaft believed to be about 900 ft deep dates back to the late 1780’s and was abandoned when mining ceased by 1950.
The Batch is now an enduring reminder of the mining heritage of Camerton. The Parish Council purchased the Batch from the National Coal Board in the late 1980’s to preserve the industrial heritage and provide a valued recreational and wildlife facility for the village. A Heritage Committee was later formed to manage the woodland which was declared a Local Nature Reserve in 1997.
The woodland was originally established to stabilise the Batch, created as a result of the mining works, and would have consisted primarily of conifers such as Scots Pine and Douglas Fir which would have been used as pit props. Following the felling of some of these conifers a variety of native broadleaved trees were planted, and a network of paths, steps and access points were created using the timber from the felled conifers.
Today the Batch is a much loved and well used facility by Camerton residents and those from the surrounding villages, and provides a haven for a variety of wildlife including the rare Greater Horseshoe Bat. The main entrance on Red Hill lies almost exactly in the middle of the Limestone Link footpath which runs from Cold Ashton to Shipham and is a popular route for ramblers, and there is a secondary entrance in Bridge Place Road.
Get Involved
Being a living breathing entity, woodlands change constantly over time and need continual maintenance and management to keep them in good health. To help with the costs of maintenance the Heritage Committee created the 100 Club with a draw taking place each month for £100, and an additional £500 in June and £1000 in December. To date there are about 80 members in the club which means there are now funds being created to look after the Batch, but there is still space for newcomers to join and help preserve this important outdoor space. If you are interested in signing up please do get in touch via email to camertonbatchlnr@gmail.com
Work has recently been undertaken to deal with the serious problem of Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) which the Woodland Trust think will eventually kill around 80% of Ash trees across the UK. To improve the resilience of the woodland we will be looking to plant a mix of native trees to create a greater genetic diversity, and regenerate areas where felling has taken place. When Covid-19 restrictions are eased for outdoor activities it is hoped to organise volunteer groups to help with planting which will be overseen by an experienced arboriculturist to ensure the new trees (whips) get the best start in life.
Other volunteer projects in the pipeline are renovation works to the notice board shelter near the main entrance, clearance of the general entrance area, and installation of wildlife boxes. We also hope to organise other group activities when restrictions allow, encouraging the community to get involved with the woodland and its wildlife. Keep checking back here for updates and on our Facebook page.
Camerton Batch LNR
A Potted History
Also known as the Old Pit Batch it was formed over 200 years ago within the Somerset Coalfield. The now capped mine shaft believed to be about 900 ft deep dates back to the late 1780’s and was abandoned when mining ceased by 1950.
The Batch is now an enduring reminder of the mining heritage of Camerton. The Parish Council purchased the Batch from the National Coal Board in the late 1980’s to preserve the industrial heritage and provide a valued recreational and wildlife facility for the village. A Heritage Committee was later formed to manage the woodland which was declared a Local Nature Reserve in 1997.
The woodland was originally established to stabilise the Batch, created as a result of the mining works, and would have consisted primarily of conifers such as Scots Pine and Douglas Fir which would have been used as pit props. Following the felling of some of these conifers a variety of native broadleaved trees were planted, and a network of paths, steps and access points were created using the timber from the felled conifers.
Today the Batch is a much loved and well used facility by Camerton residents and those from the surrounding villages, and provides a haven for a variety of wildlife including the rare Greater Horseshoe Bat. The main entrance on Red Hill lies almost exactly in the middle of the Limestone Link footpath which runs from Cold Ashton to Shipham and is a popular route for ramblers, and there is a secondary entrance in Bridge Place Road.
Get Involved
Being a living breathing entity, woodlands change constantly over time and need continual maintenance and management to keep them in good health. To help with the costs of maintenance the Heritage Committee created the 100 Club with a draw taking place each month for £100, and an additional £500 in June and £1000 in December. To date there are about 80 members in the club which means there are now funds being created to look after the Batch, but there is still space for newcomers to join and help preserve this important outdoor space. If you are interested in signing up please do get in touch via email to camertonbatchlnr@gmail.com
Work has recently been undertaken to deal with the serious problem of Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) which the Woodland Trust think will eventually kill around 80% of Ash trees across the UK. To improve the resilience of the woodland we will be looking to plant a mix of native trees to create a greater genetic diversity, and regenerate areas where felling has taken place. When Covid-19 restrictions are eased for outdoor activities it is hoped to organise volunteer groups to help with planting which will be overseen by an experienced arboriculturist to ensure the new trees (whips) get the best start in life.
Other volunteer projects in the pipeline are renovation works to the notice board shelter near the main entrance, clearance of the general entrance area, and installation of wildlife boxes. We also hope to organise other group activities when restrictions allow, encouraging the community to get involved with the woodland and its wildlife. Keep checking back here for updates and on our Facebook page.