WITH environmental awareness sweeping the country there has never been a better time to get involved in the green crusade in Mansfield.
As part of Local Newspaper Week we are urging residents to do their bit for the environment and help improve the local landscape.
Many of you will be unaware of the hidden natural treasures in the district and the wealth of animal and plant species on your doorstep.
Among the highlights are nine local nature reserves supporting an abundance of wildlife and locations for some peace and quiet.
Here we take a closer look at some of these sites and also offer an opportunity for you to get involved in their upkeep by joining 'Friends' groups.
The groups are active at several reserves promoting and caring for the sites with the help of Mansfield District Council.
Says Felicity Washbrook, the council's parks development officer: "Friends groups are very important in the development of local nature reserves.
"Being part of a Friends group enables people to learn about nature conservation and how they can be involved in what happens on their reserve."
For more information about the Hermitage Friends group contact Felicity on Mansfield 463510; for the Quarry Lane, Oakham and Titchfield Park groups call Kathryn Poxon on 463118; for Oak Tree Heath contact Barbara Belford on 439064 and for The Carrs, in Warsop, contact George Kennedy on 07885104919.
- Let us know what you think about the town's hidden beauty spots in our online blog and we will publish a selection of your views in next week's Chad.
