The event –– which will also include the launch of a new Heritage Trail leaflet –– will be held at St Andrew's Parish Hall, on Mansfield Road, between 10am-1pm, where folk will be able to view the plans and have their say on the proposals.

Work to Skegby Hall forms part of a wider project led by Skegby Appreciation Society –– supported by Ashfield District Council –– to showcase the area's architectural heritage.

Society members say the range of historic buildings along a compact stretch of Mansfield Road in the village are worthy of being brought to wider public attention, while they have already undertaken restoration works to ancient spring fed watering troughs on Old Road.

The need for restoration of the historic gardens of Skegby Hall was identified in a study which was jointly funded by the council and the Countryside Agency.

It suggested potential improvements to the gardens and its strategic position in a developing a network of countryside trails in Skegby, Stanton Hill and Teversal.

The council has been awarded £38,500 from landfill charity WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental Limited) to complete a survey of protected species, ensure survival of mature trees and clear and restore the site.

For more information contact Melanie Wheelwright at Ashfield District Council on Mansfield 457451.