News and events

In this section:

BAG Newsletter

Wildlife events, guided walks and talks

Practical volunteering

Wildlife Watch Groups

Training

Latest news

BioBlitz Walks and Talks Programme - JUST ANNOUNCED!

bioblitz logo

A series of walks and talks will be delivered by a number of County species-specialists during the 24 hour event. All the walks and talks will be FREE and most can be booked on the day. The exception to this is the Bioblitz Bat Walk (see how to book a place below).

To find out more details about the walks and talks programme follow this link.

Bioblitz Bat Walk

Find out more about these secretive creatures during a night time walk around Rufford Abbey Country Park. Rufford Abbey is home to a wide range of bat species so this is sure to be a fascinating night time event. To book a place and find out more details, please call 01623 827323.

BioBlitz 2008 to be Held at Rufford Country Park

bioblitz logo

Following on from the successful Bioblitz 2006 event, the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group is planning to hold Bioblitz 2008 this summer at Rufford Country Park. The event will take place over a period of approximately 24 hours, beginning on Friday 11th July and finishing on Saturday 12th July. This public event provides an opportunity to educate the public about biodiversity, whilst at the same time recording species diversity across the venue.

The main aim of Bioblitz is to engage with the general public, in order to raise awareness about biodiversity and to demonstrate the ‘variety of life’ that is present on their own doorstep. Rufford Country Park is a well visited location with several thousand people passing through the park on summer weekends. Rufford Country Park also contains a mosaic of woodland, wetland and grassland habitats, and has been identified as a site of county-level importance for nature conservation because of its botanical and faunal interest. The venue will therefore be an ideal location for specialists to demonstrate the diversity of wildlife that is present at the site, and to raise awareness about their specialist area of interest.

A further aim of the Bioblitz event is to count as many species of plants, animals, fungi and other organisms as possible at one site over a 24 hours period. One of the events key aims is to engage with species specialists across the county and beyond, and to improve species records for the site. It may be that as the result of the recording effort, changes to the sites management can be suggested, in order to improve species diversity.

At the very least, site managers will be made aware of areas of the site that have particular species richness and ways in which this biodiversity can be protected and enhanced.

If you would like to get involved in Bioblitz 2008 either as a wildlife expert or a volunteer or you would just like to find out more information about this years event, please contact Chris Jackson, Biodiversity Officer on 0115 9774213 or at biodiversity@nottscc.gov.uk

UK List of Priority Species and Habitats

After two years of work involving in excess of 500 people, the proposed UK List of Priority Species and Habitats was presented in a UK BAP website report in June 2007. The Priorities Species and Habitats Review Working Group and the Priorities Review Group recommended that this list was formally adopted. The Governments of all four UK administrations have now adopted the recommendations of experts and published the UK list of priority species and habitats. The new UK BAP list is an important reference source, bringing all the scientific information on UK BAP species and habitats together in one place.

This list, a result of the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken in the UK, contains 1149 species and 65 habitats that have been listed as priorities for conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP).

To find out more visit the UKBAP website - www.ukbap.org.uk

The Biodiversity Duty

Guidance on the biodiversity duty under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC), was published on 22nd May 2007 by Defra.

The aim of the biodiversity duty is to raise the profile of biodiversity in England and Wales, eventually to a point where biodiversity issues become second nature to everyone making decisions in the public sector.

All public authorities are affected, including over 900 public bodies local authorities, fire, police and health bodies, museums and transport authorities.

Defra has worked with a wide range of partners, including Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales, the Local Government Association, Wildlife and Countryside Link and others on developing guidance to support public authorities in implementing this duty.

In recognition of the key role local authorities play with regard to conserving and enhancing biodiversity, there are two sets of guidance:

specific guidance aimed at the needs and requirements of local authorities; and
more generic guidance aimed at all public authorities affected.

Workshops with local authorities, regional bodies and other public bodies were held in November 2006 to engage those affected and to inform the development of the guidance.

The guidance is intended to assist public authorities to implement the biodiversity duty. It provides advice on different activities and functions of public sector organisations and includes a number of case studies which illustrate what can be done to have regard to biodiversity.

The guidance is available on the Defra website at: www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/biodiversity/

BAG Newsletter

Find out the latest news from the BAG partnership by reading the quaterly newsletter below.

April 2008 Newsletter (PDF Document1,086KB)

January 2008 Newsletter (PDF Document 391KB)

September 2007 Newsletter (PDF Document 87KB)

Wildlife Events, Guided Walks and Talks

Friday 18th – Tuesday 22nd July - Goddess Camp

Nottingham Goddess Camp is being held for the tenth year running. Camping in the beautiful natural surroundings of Bestwood Country Park, we plan to celebrate the earth, appreciating our connection to it and exploring what we can do to protect our environment. Over the weekend there will be a number of varied and entertaining workshops including, we hope, belly dancing, general arts & crafts, tree walks, reiki, introduction to the goddess path and much, much more. The camp is open to men, women and children. Advance booking is essential. The charge for this event is on a sliding scale according to income. For more information and to book a place contact Margret Vince on 07971 250616 or 0115 956 8810. E-mail nottmgoddesscamp@hotmail.com.

Saturday 19th July - Beeston Wildlife Group Walk

Join the Beeston Wildlife Group for a guided walk at Attenborough Nature Reserve. Meet 10am in car park. Contact: Bill Wheatley 0115 925 0208.

Sunday 20th July - Go Wild in the Park

Come and enjoy yourself at Rushcliffe Country Park with the South Notts Local Group of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. Located opposite the playground, there will be bird, butterfly, mini-beast and wildflower walks throughout the day as well as a nature table and other activities. 11am - 4pm. Contact: Gordon Dyne 0115 984 3934.

Sunday 20th July - Butterflies and Dragonflies at Wilford Claypits

Join the South Notts Local Group of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust for a guided walk around the Wilford Claypits. Plenty of bug spotting opportunities! 2pm-4pm, meet at the Apple tree car park. Contact: Derek Rudge 0115 910 0712.

Sunday 20th July - LNR TO NNR - Sherwood

A leisurely ramble from Sherwood Heath to the Major Oak and back again on Thoresby land which would normally be closed to the public! Lunch at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre. Distance: 7 miles (approx). Meet at Ollerton Tourist Information Centre car park, 10am - 3pm. For more details call 01623 822447.

Sunday 20th July - Local Nature Reserve Walk

Approximately 6 mile walk from Sherwood Heath to Sherwood Forest Country Park and back again on Thoresby land (with special permission). Will we see the cattle in the woods? We will meet at Sherwood Heath, 10am - 2pm. For more information contact 01623 823202.

Monday 21st July - Sneinton Greenway and Racecourse Marsh

Enjoy a guided walk with the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust through the summer flowers and insects of the disused railway line, ending at Racecourse Marsh where we should see lots of dragonflies and damselflies. Meet 7pm at the junction of Sneinton Hermitage and Manvers Street, by the dragon. Contact: Lynn Victor 0115 958 8242.

Monday 21st July - Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Summer Holiday Club

Join the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust for an unusual tea party when we find out about some of the stranger inhabitants of Attenborough. Make a hat and stay for tea! Ages 4 and above. Please book in advance. Contact: Nature Centre 0115 972 1777.

Wednesday 23rd July - Dazzling Butterflies!

This week, as part of Butterfly Conservation Week, why not come along to Sherwood Forest Country Park and celebrate these ‘wildlife wonders’ by making your own unique butterfly creation to dazzle your friends with! 2 - 3pm. £1.50 per butterfly. Pre-booking essential, please call 01623 823202.

Thursday 24th July - In the Footsteps of Robin Hood

Return to the year 1248 and follow in the footsteps of Robin Hood. Journey back through time with Robert of Wentbridge, one of Robin’s faithful band, as he leads you on a gentle wander through the beautiful Sherwood Forest Country Park, telling tales of Sherwood’s most famous outlaw. 12 noon - 1pm & 2.30 - 3.30pm. Adults £2.00, children £1.00, family group (2 adults and 2 children) £5.00. For more details call 01623 822447.

Thursday 24th July - Family Pond Dip

Discover the dynamic and dangerous world that lies beneath the deceptively still surface of the water. Grab a net and get to know your aquatic minibeasts and small fish at Bestwood Country Park. 10am - 12 noon. £2 per child. Pre-booking and payment essential by calling 0115 927 3674. Meet at the Winding House car park.

Friday 25th and Saturday 26th July – Bat Walk

Come and see what goes bump and squeak in the night. On Friday we will meet in Silverhill Wood car park at 9.00pm, Saturday we meet in Shirebrook Wood car park at 9pm. Bring a torch. Well behaved dogs allowed on leads. Booking is essential, please call 01623 822447.

Sunday 27th July - The Legend Lives On!

To get you in the mood for the Robin Hood Festival come along today and meet some of the colourful costumed characters from the Oakwood Outlaws. Be amazed as the lads and lasses demonstrate their medieval combat skills ‘close up and personal’ in the visitor centre of Sherwood Forest Country Park 12 noon & 2pm. For more information contact 01623 823202.

Wednesday 30th July - Health Walk

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, and Bestwood Country Park provides an ideal setting to stretch your legs, wind down and enjoy fresh air and wildlife. The walk will be at a gentle pace and include some slopes. Meet at the Winding House car park, 10.30am - 12 noon. For more information contact 0115 927 3674.

Friday 1st August - Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Summer Holiday Club

Join us for an unusual tea party when we find out about some of the stranger inhabitants of Attenborough. Make a hat and stay for tea! Ages 8 and above. Please book in advance by contacting the Nature Centre on 0115 972 1777.

Saturday 2nd August - Health Walk at Attenborough

Walking is a great way to keep fit. Join the team at Attenborough Nature Reserve for a 45 minute breeze around the reserve. Meet 10am in the Nature Centre Contact: nature Centre 0115 972 1777.

Sunday 3rd August - Attenborough Nature Walk

Come along for a guided walk around the wildlife sanctuary of Attenborough Nature Reserve. 10.30am start, free of charge. Contact: Nature Centre 0115 972 1777.

Tuesday 5th August - Cotgrave Country Park

Enjoy a guided walk round this park with the South Notts Local Group. Meet at 7pm at the Hollygates car park, just over the Hollygate Canal Bridge. Contact: Gordon Dyne 0115 984 3934.

Tuesday 5th, Thursday 7th & Friday 8th August - Woodland Bushcraft Summer Holiday Clubs

Travel back in time to discover how our ancestors might have survived and made their living amongst the trees. Ages 4 and above. Please book in advance. Contact: Nature Centre 0115 972 1777.

Tuesday 5th August - Family Bug Hunt

No legs, six legs, lots of legs! Join us to find some of the fascinating and unusual ‘minibeasts’ that lurk in the leaf litter and under the logs of our woodland. Suitable for ages 5+ and most abilities, although terrain will be variable. £1 per child, pre-booking is essential for this event as places are limited. Please call 0115 9273674. Meet at Alexandra Lodge. 10.30am - 12 noon approx

Friday 8th August - A Wild Night

Spend an evening discovering the nocturnal creatures living in Dukes Wood. 7.30pm - 9.30pm, please book in advance. Contact: Ann Marie on 01777 860666.

Saturday 9th August - Bat Walk

Come and see what goes bump and squeak in the night with the community rangers at Pleasley Park. Meet in the car park at 9.00pm. Bring a torch. Well behaved dogs on leads allowed. Booking is essential, please call 01623 822447.

Tuesday 12th August - Pond Dipping

Need to cool down this summer? Then join the ranger at Oxclose wood dipping our ponds to find what lives in those murky depths. £2 per person. Meet at 10am, for more information please call 01623 822447.

Tuesday 12th, Thursday 14th & Friday 15th August - Under the Sea Summer Holiday Club

Breathe in that sea air and let us transport you to Attenborough-on-Sea where we will learn about some of our most amazing underwater wildlife. Ages 4 and above Friday session 8 and above. Please book in advance. Contact: Nature Centre 0115 972 1777.

Wednesday 13th August - Family River Dipping

Rivers are fascinating places with hidden depths! Come with us to peer below the surface and discover a world of underwater creepy crawlies. Please bring wellies with you! Due to the nature of the event good mobility is essential. Suitable for ages 5+. £2 per child, pre-booking is essential for this event as places are limited. Please call 0115 9273674. Meet at the Winding House car park. 10.30am - 12 noon approx

Saturday 16th August - Identifying the Trees of Attenborough

Join local enthusiast Phil Corbett for a talk and guided walk around Attenborough Nature Reserve to help you learn more about identifying its trees. £5 per person, please book in advance 2pm - 4pm Contact: Nature Centre 0115 972 1777.

Sunday 17th August - Marine Day

Come down to Attenborough-on-Sea for a day of ocean exploration and seaside fun for all the family and find out more about how we can help protect our seas and its precious wildlife! Activities on offer will include arts and crafts, fun games and

information and displays. Drop in 11am - 3pm, small charges for some activities may apply. Contact: Nature Centre 0115 972 1777.

Monday 18th August - Stanton Pond and Pasture

Take pleasure in the summer flowers and insects of this restored colliery and tip site, with relic unimproved grassland and ponds. Meet 7pm at the Cinderhill tram stop, Cinderhill Road. Contact: Lynn Victor 0115 958 8242.

Tuesday 19th August - Pond Dipping

Need to cool down this summer? Then join the ranger at Tippings Wood dipping our ponds to find what lives in those murky depths. £2 per person. Meet at 10am, for more information please call 01623 822447.

Tuesday 19th, Thursday 21st & Friday 22nd August - Minibeast Madness! Summer Holiday Club

Discover everything that hops, buzzes, flies, crawls and jumps as we go on a meadow minibeast safari. Ages 4 and above Friday session 8 and above. Please book in advance. Contact: Nature Centre 0115 972 1777.

Tuesdayday 19th August - Langold Lake and Bats

Have a stroll round Langold Lake with bat expert Margaret Mantaj and the Worksop Local Group. Meet 7pm Worksop Library Car Park or 7.30 pm at entrance to Dyscarr Wood Contact: Willie Milne 01909 472 458 or Alvin Green 01909 476 276.

Wednesday 20th August - Health Walk

Invigorating yet gentle walks of 2-3 miles through the varied and beautiful landscapes of Bestwood. Make friends whilst enjoying exercise, fresh air and wildlife en route in the company of a ranger. Walks include some slopes. Meet at the Winding House car park. For more information please call 0115 9273674. 10.30am - 12 noon

Wednesday 20th August - Pond Dipping at Wilford Claypits

Take part in a spot of pond dipping with the Wildlife Trust’s Education Officer Lynn Victor. For “children” of all ages. Meet 7pm at the entrance gate on Compton Acres

by the Apple Tree pub. Contact: Gordon Dyne 0115 984 3934.

Thursday 21st August - Bat Night

Another chance to meet the creatures of the night. Learn more about the twilight world of these flying mammals with a slide talk and an opportunity to see real bats up close followed by a brief night vigil to witness bats hunting over the Mill Lakes. £3 per person. Pre-booking and pre-payment is essential for this event, as places are limited. Please call 0115 9273674. Meet at Alexandra Lodge. 7.15pm - 9.30pm

Friday 22nd August - Dusk Walk

A wander round Ollerton Pit Woods in search of creatures of the night. Will we see more bats than last year? Meet at 8pm, for more information please call 01623 822447.

Saturday 23rd August - Bump in the Night

Explore the exciting night time world at Attenborough Nature Reserve by joining us for some fun exploration and activities…in the dark. Don’t forget your torch! Suitable for children aged 6 and over, must be accompanied by an adult. £3 per child, please book in advance 8pm - 9.30pm Contact: Nature Centre 0115 972 1777.

Sunday 24th August - Langford Walk

Come and find late summer migrants on this two mile walk with David Atkinson and the Newark Local Group. Meet 10am on Cottage Lane on the north side of the level crossing, south of Collingham. Contact: David Atkinson 01636 702 086.

Tuesday 26th, Thursday 28th & Friday 29th August - Art in Action!

Summer Holiday Club Get creative with nature as we create giant works of eco-art! Ages 4 and above Friday session 8 and above. Please book in advance. Contact: Nature Centre 0115 972 1777.

Wednesday 27th August – Nature Conservation at Clumber Park

Join Stuart Chappell, our Countryside Manager to find out how fragile and important habitats such as Heathland are managed at Clumber Park. Admission costs £3 each for adults and children. Booking is essential, please call 01909 476592. 10am

Friday 29th August - Family River Dipping

Friday 29th August - Bat Walk and Talk

Michael Walker, on behalf of the Gedling Local Group, will give an illustrated talk about bats, followed by a walk to see if any can be spotted! 7.30pm St Helen’s Old Church Hall, Main Street, Burton Joyce (next to chip shop) Admission £1 Contact: Mark Foss 0115 961 4194.

Practical Volunteering

Friday 18th July - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Join these regular work parties (every Monday, Tuesday and Friday) held at Attenborough Nature Reserve. This group is very popular so to avoid disappointment contact Karen Bennett for more information at the Attenborough Nature Centre on 0115 972 1777.

Saturday 19th July - Gedling Area Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A regular work party on the third Saturday in the month. Spend some time helping local volunteers to look after some wonderful local wildlife sites. 10am -1.30pm. For more information contact Barry Ellis on 0115 955 4660.

Sunday 20th July - Bingham Linear Park Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A regular work party on the third Sunday in the month 10am start. For more information contact Bill Bacon on 01949 838 585.

Sunday 20th July - Bunny Wood Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A regular work party on the third Sunday in the month. Join local volunteers to help look after this wonderful local woodland. No experience required. 10am start. For more information contact Chris Terrell-Nield on 0115 937 4906.

Sunday 20th July - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Join the Nottinghamshire group of the BTCV on one of their regular work parties (every Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday and the second Saturday of the month). The work parties are run out of the BTCVs county office at Burton Joyce and there is a pick up location in Nottingham. For more information contact 0115 931 3316.

Monday 21st July - Bestwood Monday Volunteers

The ranger team is always looking for willing volunteers to help them look after this fascinating 700 acre remnant of Sherwood Forest. All tools and training are provided, just wear suitable clothing and bring a packed lunch, willing hands and a sense of humour!

The session run from 10am to 3pm. Meet at Alexandra Lodge. For more information contact the rangers on 0115 927 3674.

Monday 21st July - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Tuesday 22nd July - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Tuesday 22nd July - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Tuesday 22nd July - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Southern Reserves)

Join these regular work parties (every Tuesday and Thursday) organised on Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserves in the south of the county. Unless otherwise stated contact Jenny Huskinson on 0115 958 8242.

Wednesday 23rd July - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Wednesday 23rd July - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Northern Reserves)

Join these regular work parties (every Wednesday and the first and second Sunday in the month) organised on Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserves in the north of the county. The work parties are run out of the Notts Wildlife Trust, Retford office. For more information contact Rob Atkinson on 01777 860666.

Thursday 24th July - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Southern Reserves)

Friday 25th July 2008 - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Saturday 26th July - Green Hand Gang – Heathland Bug Hunt

Are you aged between 8 – 13 and fancy getting your hands dirty? Do you want to learn fascinating facts about all things green and growing? Then come and join Bestwood’s Green Hand Gang - our quarterly series of seasonal tasks for younger conservationists. All gang members must be accompanied by an adult. Sessions run from 10am to 12 noon, meeting at Alexandra Lodge, Bestwood Country Park. Places are limited so pre-booking is essential by calling 0115 927 3674.

Sunday 27th July - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Monday 28th July - Bestwood Monday Volunteers

The session run from 10am to 3pm. Meet at Alexandra Lodge. For more information contact the rangers on 0115 927 3674.

Monday 28th July - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Tuesday 29th July - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Tuesday 29th July - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A regular work party, occurring on every other Sunday 9.30am -12.30pm, meeting at Meadow Lane. This group is very popular so to avoid disappointment contact Karen Bennett for more information at the Attenborough Nature Centre on 0115 972 1777.

Tuesday 29th July - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Southern Reserves)

Wednesday 30th July - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Wednesday 30th July - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Northern Reserves)

Friday 1st August - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Saturday 2nd August - Wilwell Farm Cutting Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A regular work party on the first Saturday in the month come along and lend a hand at this wonderful wildlife site.1pm - 4pm. For more information contact Gordon Dyne on 0115 984 3934.

Sunday 3rd August - Sunday Volunteers

The ranger team is always looking for enthusiastic and willing volunteers to help look after this fascinating 700 acre remnant of Sherwood Forest. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, make friends and help the environment. Everyone is welcome and no previous experience is necessary as all tools and training are provided. Tasks could range from woodland conservation and hedge laying in the autumn/winter to grassland and heathland management in the spring/summer - but be prepared for anything! Just wear suitable clothing and bring a packed lunch, willing hands and a sense of humour! Meet at Alexandra Lodge. For more information contact the rangers on 0115 927 3674. 10am - 3pm

Sunday 3rd August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Sunday 3rd August - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Northern Reserves)

Sunday 3rd August - Mansfield Area Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A regular work party on the first Sunday in the month 10am - 4pm. Come along and help us manage nature reserves in the Mansfield area – all tool and equipment supplied. No experience necessary. For more information contact Dave Sutton on 0115 958 8242.

Monday 4th August - Bestwood Monday Volunteers

The session run from 10am to 3pm. Meet at Alexandra Lodge. For more information contact the rangers on 0115 927 3674.

Tuesday 5th August - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Southern Reserves)

Tuesday 5th August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Wednesday 6th August - Treswell Wood Volunteers (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A weekly work party at Treswell Wood near Retford. For more information contact Tony Kennedy on 01427 880436.

Wednesday 6th August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Wednesday 6th August - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Northern Reserves)

Thursday 7th August - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Southern Reserves)

Friday 8th August - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Saturday 9th August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Saturday 9th August - Newark Area Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A regular work party on the second Saturday in the month. Come and lend a hand with management on nature reserves across the Newark Area. No experience required 10am - 4pm. For more information contact John Black on 0115 958 8242.

Saturday 9th August - Wilford Claypits Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A regular work party on the second Saturday in the month 1pm - 4pm. Enjoy an afternoon helping us to care for this fascinating wildlife area For more information contact Deryk Rudge on 0115 910 0712.

Sunday 10th August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Sunday 10th August - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Northern Reserves)

Monday 11th August - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Monday 11th August – Bestwood Monday Volunteers

The ranger team is always looking for enthusiastic and willing volunteers to help look after this fascinating 700 acre remnant of Sherwood Forest. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, make friends and help the environment. Everyone is welcome and no previous experience is necessary as all tools and training are provided. Tasks could range from woodland conservation and hedge laying in the autumn/winter to grassland and heathland management in the spring/summer - but be prepared for anything! Just wear suitable clothing and bring a packed lunch, willing hands and a sense of humour! The session will run from 10am to 3pm Meet at Alexandra Lodge. For more information contact the rangers on 0115 927 3674.

Tuesday 12th August - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Tuesday 12th August - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Southern Reserves)

Tuesday 12th August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Wednesday 13th August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Wednesday 13th August - Treswell Wood Volunteers (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A weekly work party at Treswell Wood near Retford. For more information contact Tony Kennedy on 01427 880436.

Wednesday 13th August - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Northern Reserves)

Thursday 14th August - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Southern Reserves)

Friday 15th August - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Saturday 16th August - Gedling Area Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Sunday 17th August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Sunday 17th August - Bingham Linear Park Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A regular work party on the third Sunday in the month 10am start. For more information contact Bill Bacon on 01949 838 585.

Sunday 17th August - Bunny Wood Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Monday 18th August - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Monday 18th August - Monday Volunteers

The ranger team is always looking for enthusiastic and willing volunteers to help look after this fascinating 700 acre remnant of Sherwood Forest. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, make friends and help the environment. Everyone is welcome and no previous experience is necessary as all tools and training are provided. Tasks could range from woodland conservation and hedge laying in the autumn/winter to grassland and heathland management in the spring/summer - but be prepared for anything! Just wear suitable clothing and bring a packed lunch, willing hands and a sense of humour! The session will run from 10am to 3pm. Meet at Alexandra Lodge. For more information contact the rangers on 0115 927 3674.

Tuesday 19th August - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Southern Reserves)

Tuesday 19th August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Tuesday 19th August - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Wednesday 20th August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Wednesday 20th August- Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Northern Reserves)

Wednesday 20th August - Treswell Wood Volunteers (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A weekly work party at Treswell Wood near Retford. For more information contact Tony Kennedy on 01427 880436.

Thursday 21st August - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Southern Reserves)

Friday 22nd August - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Sunday 24th August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Monday 25th August - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Monday 25th August - Bestwood Monday Volunteers

The session run from 10am to 3pm. Meet at Alexandra Lodge. For more information contact the rangers on 0115 927 3674.

Tuesday 26th August - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Tuesday 26th August - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Southern Reserves)

Tuesday 26th August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Wednesday 27th August - Treswell Wood Volunteers (Notts Wildlife Trust)

A weekly work party at Treswell Wood near Retford. For more information contact Tony Kennedy on 01427 880436.

Wednesday 27th August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Wednesday 27th August - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Northern Reserves)

Thursday 28th August - Notts Wildlife Trust Volunteers (Southern Reserves)

Friday 29th August - Attenborough Work Party (Notts Wildlife Trust)

Sunday 31st August - BTCV Volunteer Task Day

Wildlife Watch Groups

Young nature lovers between 8 and 13 can find out more about wildlife by getting involved in a range of fun activities organised by Wildlife Watch. There are Wildlife Watch Groups across the county providing young people with opportunities to explore their surroundings and find out more about the natural world.

Daneshill Lakes Watch Group

Dates and times vary, please call the warden on 01777 818673 to find out more details.

Sunday 20th July - Attenborough Watch Group

At the Attenborough Nature Centre. 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Contact: Victoria McMillan 0115 913 0072.

Saturday 2nd August - Brackenhurst Watch Group

Education Classroom, Brackenhurst Campus, off A612 nr Southwell. 9.30am - 11.30am. Contact: Lynn Victor, 0115 958 8242. (please phone before attending).

Saturday 2nd August - Nottingham City Watch Group

Children’s activity session at the Courtyard Studio in Wollaton Hall. 10.15am - 12.15pm. Contact: Jane Carruthers 0115 841 8154.

Sunday 3rd August - Sherwood Forest Watch Group

This Watch Group is a roving ‘Wildlife Watch’ group for children - please contact the Ranger’s Office for more details of venues. 10am - 12pm. Contact: Ranger’s Office 01623 822 447 (booking is essential so please phone before attending).

Saturday 9th August - Rushcliffe Watch Group

At Rushcliffe Country Park, Ranger’s office, Ruddington. 11am – 1pm.

Contact: Park Rangers 0115 921 5865.

Saturday 9th August - Farndon Watch Group

Group based at Farndon Village Hall and Willow Holt. 9.30am - 11.30am. Contact: Sue Leach on 01636 681 154.

Sunday 10th August- Duke’s Wood Watch Group

At Duke’s Wood Nature Reserve, Eakring, OR Jordan Castle Farm, Wellow. 10am - 12pm. Contact: Ann Marie Edwards 01777 860666 or Sandra McLean 07913 203 462.

Sunday 17th August - Attenborough Watch Group

At the Attenborough Nature Centre. 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Contact: Victoria McMillan 0115 913 0072.

Sunday 17th August – Portland Park Watch Group

At the Portland Park Visitor Centre, Kirkby-in-Ashfield. 10am – 12noon. Contact: Bill Smith 01623 455 285 or Michelle Dunn 01623 468 385.

Training

Saturday 19th July - Basket Making

Come along and learn this traditional craft skill in one of Nottinghamshire’s finest ancient woodlands under the guidance of local woodsman Ray Lister. Participants will make their own basket from locally sourced organic willow. 10am - 3.30pm

Charges: Basket Making £50 For further details or to book a place call Samantha on 07791 544061.

Saturday 9th August - Butterfly Identification Course

Learn how to identify these colourful insects whilst out and about. Join our local enthusiasts at Attenborough Nature Reserve, 1.30pm – 4pm, for an illustrated talk and field walk around the Reserve. £5 per person, please book in advance by contacting the Nature Centre on 0115 972 177720.

Saturday 16th August - Basket Making

Come along and learn this traditional craft skill in one of Nottinghamshire’s finest ancient woodlands under the guidance of local woodsman Ray Lister.

Participants will make their own basket from locally sourced organic willow. 10am - 3.30pm Charge: £50. For further details or to book a place call Samantha on 07791 544061.