New partnership launched to help protect landscapes after devastating wildfires across Mansfield

The wildfires, such as the ones at Strawberry Hill Heath and Oak Tree earlier this year, has left extensive areas of scorched vegetation and damaged habitat.

Heathlands are among the rarest habitats in the United Kingdom, supporting specialist wildlife including reptiles, insects and ground-nesting birds, while storing significant amounts of carbon within their soils. Fires can destroy decades of ecological growth within hours, and recovery can take many years.

The Heathland Fire Prevention Education Project has been launched to help protect Sherwood's historic heathlands through innovative education and community engagement. Education sits at the heart of the programme, with ATTFE College leading the design, development and delivery of activities in partnership with Sherwood Forest Trust and key stakeholders.

The programme is designed not only to educate young people but also to reach parents, carers and wider communities, creating a lasting legacy of environmental awareness and responsibility across Nottinghamshire.

Helen Sullivan, chief executive of The Sherwood Forest Trust, said: “The damage caused at Strawberry Hill Heath provides a powerful visual reminder of why protecting our heathlands matters. These landscapes are among the rarest habitats in Britain. They support unique wildlife, preserve important cultural heritage and store significant amounts of carbon within their soils.

“When heathland burns, the effects can be devastating, with habitats destroyed and wildlife displaced. Recovery can take many years. That is why prevention is so important.

“Through our partnership with ATTFE College, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and Nottinghamshire Police, we are creating opportunities for young people, schools, families and communities to better understand these special places and the simple actions everyone can take to help protect them.

“By educating and inspiring the next generation of environmental champions, we can help ensure that Nottinghamshire's heathlands are safeguarded for years to come.”

Dianne Holmes, head of Curriculum Strategy and Partnerships at ATTFE College, said: “The wildfire at Strawberry Hill Heath and others demonstrates the real and lasting consequences that fires can have on our local environment. Education is one of the most effective tools available to help prevent future incidents.

“Through this innovative partnership, we are giving students the opportunity to learn about environmental responsibility, climate resilience, conservation and community action. By working with schools across Nottinghamshire, we hope to inspire meaningful behaviour change that protects these valuable habitats for future generations.”

Your Chad went to see the devastation at Strawberry Hill Heath and spoke to some walkers who think more needs to be done to educate people on the dangers of wildfires.

Justyna Sobura said: “I saw it on the news. I walk here a lot. It looks horrible and it is very sad. It’s a big area and it has been destroyed.”

Jon Higgins said: “We need to be more aware of what happens when we have a long period of drought and sustained heat like we’ve had over past summers.

“We get fires over here every year. So, starting with schools, maybe more of an education programme is needed.”