Did you know that Rushcliffe has 41 sites totaling some 474 hectares that are classed as Nature Reserves? These vary in size from “pocket handkerchief” to Country Park and incorporate woodlands, species-rich grasslands, lakes and marsh habitats. These locations are managed in a number of ways, including by Notts Wildlife Trust, Friends Groups and Councils, and quite a few volunteer-run work parties.
These do essential work in helping to maintain the sites, in term of both access and, more importantly, diversity of wildlife habitat. Indeed, last year volunteers contributed at least 10,200 hours (costed at some £190,000 and very likely more) across Rushcliffe just in terms of practical conservation work – on top of survey work, administration, publicity, guided walks etc.
This input is invaluable, but these groups can always use an extra pair of hands. If you fancy putting something back and working outdoors for a few hours a month, there are a range of possibilities with the following sites which run work parties in some form:
- Rushcliffe Country Park
- Wilwell Farm Cutting and Wilford Claypits (Ruddington / Wilford)
- Sharphill Wood (Edwalton / West Bridgford)
- The Green Line (West Bridgford)
- The Hook (Lady Bay)
- Bingham Linear Park
- Gotham Nature Reserve
- Costock Nature Reserve
- Cotgrave Country Park
- Springdale Wood (East Bridgford)
- Meadow Park (East Leake)
- Radcliffe on Trent Conservation Volunteers.
For more details of dates, times and contacts visit www.southnottswildlife.org.uk and look under the Reserves tab for information on work parties. In most cases, all you need is to bring along a pair of gardening gloves, sensible clothes for working outdoors, some tough shoes and a dollop of enthusiasm (and a thermos!).
Rushcliffe may not be the richest place in the country for wildlife, but it does have its gems with species-rich grassland (Wilwell, Gotham and Keyworth Meadow for example); unusual butterflies (Grizzled Skipper, Purple Emperor and White Letter Hairstreak); and curious birds (Bee Eaters have recently visited). All this is right on our doorstep, so if we can protect and even enhance it so much the better. Find out more at the South Notts Wildlife website.
Gordon Dyne