SITE 304 LPC
THE LEICESTER PAPER COMPANY (LPC)
OS REF:SK59101410
The footpath at the back of the site runs from Cossington Lane to Sileby Mill. The path along the approach road to the LPC is from the statue by the roundabout by the A6 by-pass and gives public access to the Rothley Lodge Wildlife Site.
Date: 16th August 2006
This was our first visit to see how the land had changed by the building of this very large complex on the old Lodge Farm.
The area around the LPC down to the River Soar and up to Sileby Mill is owned by Charnwood Borough Council and called the Rothley Lodge Wildlife Site (Site 253).
A pond has been created to catch the water run-off from the site and is called Penningtons Pond (Site 305) after Ron Pennington from the LPC.
The buildings have been surrounded by tree planting and will, in time, be enclosed by this vegetation. The planted areas are still under the control of the company who did the planting and they therefore apply weedkiller but Mr Pennington would like to let it cover with vegetation for wildlife.
THE ANGEL OF ROTHLEY!!
This artwork, made of stone and steel, was commissioned by Charnwood Borough Council's Percent for Arts Scheme. This 10 ft statue, made by artist Alyn Mulholland, was inspired by the layering of paper tissue products. On the base are designs by schoolchildren which have been engraved into the stone. It was officially unveiled in March 2007
Looking over the area in front of the LPC building from the Wyevale (now Rowena) car park. June 2008
From the statue down to the entrance to the LPC on the right. June 2008
The banks on the left of the approach road to the LPC in June 2008
Looking over the area in front of the LPC from the Wyevale (Rowena) car park. June 2008
Looking over the area in front of the LPC building from the approach road to the site. September 2006
The area in front of the LPC building became a lovely wildlife site in June 2008
In the area in front of the LPC there were excellent pools of water for birds and wildlife. June 2008
In April 2007 I noted nesting Ringed Plovers, possible nesting Little Ringed Plovers and Lapwing and asked if the area could not be flattened until the end of the nesting season. Sadly, I did not receive a reply and the area was flattened for proposed building
This area was good for lapwings. June 2008
15th June 2008
Brian and I made a further visit to see what was happening but still no building where it was flattened. However, there is a lovely small wildlife area close to the road with Lapwings with an area of water, reed mace and good vegetation. The flattened area has Little Ringed Plover but I was not close enough to check the species. I do know, however, that records of this site and the birds have been submitted in May 2008 to the LROS.
The trees are growing very well now and the vegetation is being allowed to flourish. Poppies are colonising the banks along the road to the LPC, which look very colourful with the Pineapple Mayweed. It all looks promising for insects and all wildlife.
Car park to the LPC on the left, the road continuing to the delivery area. September 2006
As well as a road to the LPC there is also a path leading to Site 253 Rothley Lodge Wildlife Site. August 2006
The path leading to Site 253 Rothley Lodge Wildlife Site. June 2008
The path continues to Site 253 Rothley Lodge Wildlife Site. August 2006
The path leading to Site 253 Rothley Lodge Wildlife Site. June 2008
The path looking to the start by the entrance to the LPC. August 2006
The end of the path looking back to the LPC on the left. Gate is the entrance to Site 253 Rothley Lodge Wildlife Site. September 2006
A footpath runs at the back of the LPC building from the back of Wyevale (Rowena) to Site 253 Rothley Lodge Wildlife Site.. September 2006
The footpath at the back of the LPC with the River Soar to the right behind the trees. September 2006
The trees at the back of the building by the footpath in June 2008
Footpath at the back of the LPC building leading to Site 253 Rothley Lodge Wildlife Site. September 2006
Footpath at the back of the LPC site. September 2006
Footpath at the back of the LPC site leading into Site 253 Rothley Lodge Wildlife Site. September 2006
The footpath at the back of the LPC site emerges into Site 253 Rothley Lodge Wildlife Site. June 2008
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