Project summary:
Maltby Commons Local Nature Reserve (LNR) Management Committee was formed in September 2000 and is a partnership between the Sandbeck Estate (landowner), Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Maltby Town Council, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and English Nature. The overall aim of the project is to make the LNR a safer and more attractive natural resource for all to enjoy.

The LNR (declared in January 2001) will be managed under a 20-year agreement with the Sandbeck Estate. Part of the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has been managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust under agreement since 1970.

Two public rights of way cross the LNR and part is Registered Common Land. The management Committee aims to secure the future enjoyment and management of the LNR for the benefit of the local and wider community and to keep the area free from unauthorised vehicle access and fly tipping. The site currently suffers from vandalism and abuse for instance, over the past 12 months 40 abandoned and burnt out vehicles have been removed along with 20 van loads of house-hold refuse, garden and builders rubbish.

The grant money will enable access management works to take place which is seen as the first phase in a programme of initiatives which will aim to develop local community support and understanding of the site, encouraging educational use and enable appropriate habitat management to take place.

Environmental improvements will be also be undertaken with funding under an approved Countryside Stewardship application. The access management work involves: the positioning of boulders to prevent vehicle access in two areas; install gates and barriers to allow pedestrian access and vehicular access for site management work; development of a designated car parking area; access track improvements. An information leaflet will also be produced and volunteers are involved in habitat management works.