Cave Lane Surface Mine

Works on site started during April 2004 and the site was restored during June 2005 and is in its aftercare period. There was over two hundred thousand tonnes of coal excavated from the site which was transported to Hunslet Rail sidings near Leeds and from there by rail to West Burton Power Station.

The majority of the aftercare works have now been completed with only maintenance works required. The agricultural areas have had an extensive under drainage scheme installed last year which have been restored to both permanent pasture and arable (oilseed/ rape/wheat/barley).

The public footpaths crossing the site have all now been reinstated and a new bridal way has been created thought the site creating a link between existing bridal ways and roads.

There has been over one thousand meters of hedging planted as well as some nine thousand trees across the site. Species include Ash, Oak, Hazel, Hawthorn and Dog Rose. Both the hedgerows and trees are successfully established and will only require general maintenance until the end of aftercare in 2010. Prior to earth works starting on site better sections of hedging were translocated to the boundary of the site. These sections have established very well and give the appearance of an old field boundary.

The pond adjacent to the bridal way has now reached the high water level and is successfully holding water. Some minor works were carried out to the island and the outfall during 2007. Mallard ducks and Canadian geese can regularly be seen on the pond.