Wildlife photographed 'reclaiming' former Stoke-on-Trent mining site

Images show how nature has partially reclaimed a disused former coal mine, and the colliery buildings that still stand on site. Owls, foxes and other creatures have been seen at the abandoned Chatterley Whitfield mine, in the heart of Staffordshire. Photographer Andrew Mason has documented some of them over recent years at the Stoke-on-Trent pit, which closed in the 1970s after operating for more than a century. It has been described as the most comprehensive surviving deep mine site in England. The colliery was a "living example of rewilding", said the photographer. Mason had started taking images of barn owls from outside the private site, before gaining permission to enter from Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The local authority is increasing security measures there, after urban explorers and children were seen trespassing on what is a dangerous site. It has 15 listed buildings and was included on Historic England's heritage at risk register due to its deterioration since the colliery's closure. The Chatterley Whitfield Friends group now has a Heritage Centre on site and conducts monthly public tours for those who want to explore it safely. Mason assisted the BBC Natural History Un