Jubilee Ponds

The Jubilee Ponds area was formerly the site of old gravel pits covering an area of 31 acres. When work ceased, nature rapidly took over, plants and trees established themselves and the area soon became a haven for birds, insects and wild animals..

In 1976, when the parish met to begin to explore ways of celebrating the 1977 Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen, it was suggested that an attempt be made to secure a lasting momento of this event.

Consequently, negotiations were opened with the owners, The Hoveringham Group Ltd (later Tarmac Ltd) and an initial peppercorn rent agreement was made giving licence to all residents in the Parish of Bleasby to use the area "for gentle recreation and a conservation area for wildlife". The initial agreement, finally signed in November 1978, was for a period of seven years. Despite the lapse of a year, it was resolved that the area should be known as the Jubilee Ponds. 

During subsequent years, further negotiations took place between Tarmac Ltd and the Parish Council and, in March 1987, the Jubilee Ponds were purchased for the parish. Extensive tree planting was carried out by Tarmac Ltd in the same year using trees provided by Nottinghamshire County Council. In addition, Tarmac Ltd provided new boundary fencing, hedging and additional trees.

In 1987 the Bleasby Jubilee Pond project won the "Best Village Nature Conservation Project" competition sponsored by Nottinghamshire County Council, organised by the campaign for the Protection of Rural England. 

Today, the Jubilee Ponds remain primarily for the conservation of wildlife and the enjoyment of local residents for walking, running, the study of fauna and flora, field sketching, photography, educational projects and similar, 'gentle', outdoor pursuits. 

The fishing rights are owned by Bleasby Carp Syndicate who control the fishing of the ponds for the benefits of it's members. Day tickets are not available. The syndicate members also help with maintaining and the general upkeep of the area and have right of access to, and maintenance of, the banks and water.

Dog walking is welcomed providing owners keep their dogs under strict control at all times, respecting other dog walkers, those who are fishing and those non-dog owners using the area for their pleasure. It is especially important to keep dogs out of the water and the fishing bases, clean up any mess by disposing of it properly (there is a bin for this purpose) and also avoid disturbing the wildlife at all times.

Volunteers are welcome to join in the periodic working parties which are organised throughout the year for specific tasks such as clearing paths, planting trees hedge laying and other management tasks. If you would like to register as a volunteer to help at the Jubilee Ponds, please email: [email protected] 

Cooperation and understanding between all users are of paramount importance to the continuing successful partnership and daily enjoyment of all.

Long term management of the area has been carried out with the advice and practical help form Nottinghamshire County Council, Experian and Notts Wildlife Trust. Grants have been received from Shell Better Britain, Rural Action and Newark & Sherwood District Council.