Step into nature around Mansfield to celebrate David Attenborough’s 100th birthday

A major Mansfield bus company is marking the 100th birthday of David Attenborough by highlighting a collection of breathtaking nature walks and outdoor destinations, all easily accessible by bus.

Attenborough’s birthday is on Friday, 8 May, and, inspired by his lifelong mission to connect people with the natural world, Stagecoach is encouraging customers to leave the car at home and discover the beauty on their doorstep through greener, more sustainable travel.

From tranquil woodland trails to sparkling rivers and sweeping valley views, each route showcases the kind of landscapes that have defined Attenborough’s storytelling for decades, and every destination can be reached via the Stagecoach network.

Stagecoach East Midlands has curated a selection of scenic walks that reflect the diversity and beauty of the natural world:

-- Sherwood Forest Trail - Start: Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre car park. A classic woodland walk with ancient oak trees, including the famous Major Oak, and strong ties to the Robin Hood legend.

-- Vicar Water Country Park Loop - Start: Vicar Water Country Park main car park (off Mansfield Road). A gentle circular walk around a lake with woodlands and meadows, ideal for wildlife spotting and relaxed strolls.

-- Carr Bank Park Stroll - Start: Carr Bank Park main entrance on Bath Lane. A historic Victorian park featuring landscaped gardens, a bandstand, and peaceful paths for an easy walk.

-- Maun Valley Trail - Start: Stockwell Gate (Mansfield town centre access point). A longer linear route following the River Maun, passing through green spaces and connecting several local areas.

-- Berry Hill Park Walk - Start: Berry Hill Lane entrance. A spacious park with open fields and tree-lined paths, great for a quick, accessible outdoor escape.

-- Rainworth Water Circular - Start: Rainworth Water car park (Kirklington Road). A quiet nature reserve with lakes and woodland trails, perfect for birdwatching and peaceful walks.

-- King's Mill Reservoir Route - Start: King’s Mill car park near King’s Mill Hospital. A scenic waterside walk with wide paths, popular for both walkers and cyclists.

-- Thieves Wood Trails - Start: Thieves Wood car park off Huthwaite Road. A network of forest paths offering a mix of easy and more adventurous routes through dense woodland.

-- Hardwick Hall Estate Walk - Start: Hardwick Hall main car park (National Trust entrance). A slightly further option with dramatic views, historic architecture, and well-maintained parkland trails.

-- Pleasley Vale Walk - Start: Pleasley Vale Mills car park. A picturesque valley route featuring old mill buildings, riverside paths, and a mix of nature and industrial history.

Even more great local walks are available at www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/east-midlands/interconnect-bus-walks.

As conversations around climate change and conservation continue, a cause championed globally by David Attenborough, Stagecoach East Midlands is proud to offer a practical way for people to reduce their environmental impact while exploring the outdoors.

By travelling by bus, customers can cut emissions, avoid congestion, and enjoy a more relaxed journey straight into nature.

Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “Sir David Attenborough has inspired generations to appreciate and protect the natural world, and there’s no better way to honour that legacy than by helping people experience it for themselves.

“Our network connects communities to some of the most beautiful landscapes in our region, making it easy to step off the bus and straight into nature.

“We want to make exploring these incredible places as simple and sustainable as possible, encouraging more people to discover what’s right on their doorstep while reducing their environmental footprint.

“Customers can plan their journey using the Stagecoach Bus App or our online Journey Planner. This milestone birthday is a chance not just to celebrate an icon, but to reconnect with the natural world he has spent a lifetime protecting.”