Eastern Green Link 2 helps tidy up the ‘Green Lung of Goole’

Volunteers from Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) and our contractors, BAM and Murphys, rolled up their sleeves and showcased their best gardening skills at Oakhill Nature Reserve, famously known as the ‘Green Lung of Goole.’  Located a few miles away from our Wren Hall Converter Station in Drax village, the 150 acre reserve is a haven for wildlife. 

The nature reserve, which was once filled with an extensive network of railway sidings and locomotive shelters, now features ponds, meadows, wetlands, and woodlands, making it a special place for rich bird life and nature lovers. 

With a mission to enhance biodiversity and improve habitats for local wildlife, our volunteers, equipped with loppers and bow saws, took part in coppicing willow trees and tidying up the reserve. Dead hedges were created to provide optimal food and shelter for dragonflies, butterflies, reptiles, and nocturnal creatures, including Oakhill’s prized jewel, the great crested newt.

As bird nesting season approaches, the team decorated the reserve by hanging up bird boxes to support the nesting period and provide cozy homes for our feathered friends. The volunteers also took part in litter picking, keeping the Green Lung of Goole fresh and clean. 

Dan Bannister, EGL2 Senior Project Delivery Manager, commented:  

“We were delighted to spend the day at Oakhill Nature Reserve cleaning up the environment, supporting the local wildlife and learning about the history of the site.

The EGL2 project is committed to leaving a lasting legacy, and we look forward to many more volunteering opportunities in the local area.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers, as well as BAM and Murphys, who came out to support this exciting cause.” 

Christopher J. Dickinson, Oakhill Nature Reserve Manager, commented:  

“We were fortunate to enjoy a lovely sunny spring day alongside a group of enthusiastic volunteers who contributed significantly to the conservation efforts at the nature reserve.  

We successfully installed all the bat and bird boxes, which aligns perfectly with the nesting season, allowing birds to establish their territories.”