Discover Ollerton: Community Projects

Transforming Mill Field

Using the bridge over the River Maun as your starting point, Mill Field can be found by entering the gate immediately west of the bridge. You will see a broadly circular field, with a natural grass footpath leading across to the rear of the Esso service station and McDonalds. The field is owned by Ollerton & Boughton Town Council, having been gifted by McDonalds for the use of the public. It is a popular dog walking area, but is otherwise currently underused.

Historically the land here, and extending downstream past both the village and the expanding areas of New Ollerton, was used for hop growing. Much of the crop was cultivated by owners and landlords of the several pubs in the village, notably the Hop Pole Hotel, the White Hart, and The Bluebell (now a holiday let) clustered around the centre.

We'd like to get much better use out of this community space, encouraging free play, picnicking, local community events, anything really. We planted around 75 trees a few years ago, which are growing well and will help screen the field from the road and McDonalds car park, and our latest project is to create a wildflower meadow.

About a third of the field has been prepared, and will hopefully be a wonderful spot for wildlife and humans to enjoy together - we will now have to hold our breaths and wait for Spring 2026 to see the first shoots struggle through the sward.

This is a real co-operative community effort. The Town Council have given their blessing and supported us by mowing to a plan. Natural England have given preparation and sowing advice. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust have visited and also given valuable advice. Local farmers and equipment contractors have given very generously of their time to do the heavy work. And us? We have sourced and provided the seed and done the volunteer work to bring it all together. Now - we wait!

Future Plans? Well, in the longer term we wouild like to make the field more accessible so that it provides a pleasant, safe, and tranquil place for all - including wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs. Ambitions may include a natural but safe pathway around the perimeter, and a place to sit and enjoy the prospect over the mill race/river waterfall.