Parking and access Limited roadside parking is available along The Bridleway (Tarmac Road) or in ASDA car park.

Description and habitat This former section of the Rufford and Clipstone Forest Heaths, would once have been part of a rich mosaic of Oak and Birch woodland, with Heather and acid grassland.

Until recently, Rushpool Open Space NR was part of a much larger area of undeveloped and agricultural land known as the Green Belt - land which in theory could not be built on, or developed. However, changing times and changing local and national government policies, now mean that small areas of land such as Rushpool, are available to buy and develop at the right price.

The two sections are quite different, being north-west facing off Sandlands Way and south facing from The Bridleway. A well used public footpath through the site, allows local residents to access the ASDA Supermarket and the site is well used by Dog walkers.

The amount of Gorse has helped protect the site from damage by vandals, by providing an inpenetrable barrier. Areas of Gorse are now being carefully cut and managed to create stands of differing ages.

Where the Gorse has caught fire in recent years, clearance/removal work has seen the quick recolonisation of a varied flora. While some purists may refer to much of this new growth as 'rank' and not what management plans require, it greatly benefits the site and creates are more considerate approach to wildlife and conservation.

Based on the early results of invertebrate surveying in 2014, Rushpool Open Space Nature Reserve has shown just how important small sites are to the conservation of our local wildlife. Two notable species which have already turned up include the Brown Argus and the Marsh Pug.

The Brown Argus recolonised Nottinghamshire back in the late 1990's after a lengthy absence and has done well since.Its reappearence in the county was never predicted, but now it can be expected in undisturbed areas at many former colliery sites around the county.

This moth is now Grade 1 listed in Nottinghamshire, due to decline. We have recorded it in small numbers at three meadowland sites at Eakring (not since 2006) and in 2010 from an Edwinstowe garden. Due to it's small size and indistinctive appearance, this day flying Pug is difficult to locate and is easily missed.