this was repeated in 2013–14 and is intended to continue annually. At the end of 2011 the people of Cotgrave launched Cotgrave Community Website. This forum is paid for by the council but run by the council and local residents. Members are registered with their real names and checked on the electoral roll. Country park The extensive former mining area has been landscaped as a country park, with a long section of the Grantham Canal partially restored, including at least two locks. This is not presently navigable, but nearby road bridges have been removed. though in other areas of the Grantham Canal some bridges have been rebuilt to accommodate canal traffic. Plans to put the canal back to water were gradually taking shape, and as a brownfield site in a rural area, the old pit-head area could serve for building a marina. This pit-head area is cordoned off from public and there are plans for redevelopment. Plans to build around 470 houses on the site would impact the infrastructure and the ongoing development of the country park. Planted woodland is now beginning to mature and the country park is gradually acquiring a diverse population of wildlife. Wildfowl abound, with reports of cuckoos, warblers, swallows, little ringed plover, yellow wagtail, ring ouzel, wheatear, chiffchaff and dabchicks. Great crested newts are reported to be established in the lake, and hares, rabbits, foxes, bats and owls are present. The lake, pictured, is well stocked and used by anglers regularly. Fishing platforms have been built around the lake and reed beds established to protect the breeding waterfowl, including a variety of ducks, coots, swans and heron. The park has a picnic area, car parks, a gallop for horse riders and a nature trail. The area features woodland, lake and canal side walks, and takes a route along the old railway track, where a short section of original rails and sleepers has been left in place. A voluntary group called Friends of Cotgrave Country Park works to maintain and improve the facilities at the park, and meets regularly. Details appear on the Rushcliffe Council website. The group in 2010–2012 helped to plan and build a swimming pool for dogs, away from the vulnerable wildlife in the country park's lake. References External links Cotgrave Community Website Cotgrave Country Park details and directions Satellite Map and Photographs of Cotgrave Cotgrave Town Council Towns in Nottinghamshire Civil parishes