Tibshelf PondsThe area round the ponds is whereTibshelf 'bottom' pit - one of three inthe village - used to be. Now the areais a countryside site with areas ofwoodland and grassland. These providehabitats for wildflowers, including therare bee orchid, and for birds andinsects.

From the ponds there is easy accessto local shops and pubs on the HighStreet for refreshments to keep yougoing. Horse box parking and aspecially designed 'gallop' will appealto riders, while walkers and cyclists willalso enjoy exploring the wider areausing the Five Pits and Silverhill Trails.

THE SILVERHILL TRAIL

Bee orchid

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Silverhill WoodsThis Forestry Commission site is where Silverhilland Teversal collieries used to be. This communitywoodland is more than just trees! With ponds,wetland and grasslands it is now home to an amazingvariety of wildlife. Birds, mammals and insects alreadymake their home here and the area is being managedfor their benefit.

Criss-crossed by paths and surfaced tracks, Silverhill Woods is agreat place for walkers, horse riders and cyclists to explore the youngwoodland and enjoy the great views across the surrounding countryside.See if you can spot Hardwick Hall, Bolsover Castle and even Lincoln Cathedralfrom the top of the site, which is the highest point in Nottinghamshire.

You can enjoy the 4.5 mile Silverhill Trail on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. It is surfaced and has easy access for prams andmobility scooters, making it suitable for everyone to enjoy. The trail links the southern end of the Five Pits Trail at Tibshelf Pondswith the Pleasley and Teversal Trails to the east. If you want longer distances, follow the Five Pits Trail towards Chesterfield orjoin the National Cycle Network into Sherwood Forest.

This trail was one of the many railway tracks crossing the area, linking the collieries to the main line. The closures of the pits andrailways have given us a dramatically changed landscape. We now have trails and country parks, a greenway network and linksfrom villages into the countryside.

BrierleyForest ParkThis former colliery site is now a country park, owned and managed by Ashfield DistrictCouncil. As you explore the wildflower meadows, woodlands and ponds look out forthe variety of wildlife that live here now. You can often see and hear skylarks singinghigh in the sky above the park and you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse ofowls, foxes and the many other birds and animals around.

There are routes around the park for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and easyaccess routes suitable for scooters, prams and wheelchairs. The visitor centre hereis open all year round and offers information, exhibitions and refreshments.

Pleasley Pit Country ParkThis country park has an amazing variety of habitats. This gives nature lovers thechance to spot many different birds, dragonflies and damselflies. Through the springand summer there is an array of wildflowers, including increasingly rare orchids.In dramatic contrast to the country park you will seethe remaining pit buildings which are now aScheduled Ancient Monument (SAM).

TeversalVisitorCentreThis visitor centre isrun by volunteers andis usually open allyear round. With lotsof space for parking itis an ideal startingpoint to get onto theSilverhill, Pleasleyand Teversal Trailsand a good place fora cup of tea when youhave finished!

Tree sculpture at TeversalVisitor Centre

Silverhill Trail

Blackwell Trail

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Rowthorne Trail

TeversalVisitor Centre

Pleasley PitCountry Park

Pleasley TrailsNetwork

BrierleyForest Park

SilverhillWood

Pleasley Pit Country Park

The visitor centre at Brierley Forest Park

Many of the trails are access-for-all friendly.

Hardwick Hall& Park

Link Trail

Skylark

TibshelfPonds

Five Pits Trail

Pleasley ValeOutdoor Activity

Centre

Meden Trail

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with thepermission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.© Crown copyrght. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crowncopyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.100023251 2008.

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Walkers and cyclists

Walkers, cyclists and horse riders

Visitor Centre

Parking