Oak Tree SAFE

The group of environmentally interested people, volunteers can regularly be found in the area of Oak Tree Lane estate. Oak Tree SAFE volunteers meet every week, carry out conservation work and site management/maintenance work which is identified in the MDC/LNR management plans as a requirement for groups on MDC/LNR sites

The group works in partnership with Sherwood Forest Community Rangers, Sherwood Forest Trust and Mansfield District Council.  Oak Tree SAFE is also a member of the Oak Tree Heath Nature Park Project steering group and friends of GREENWOOD partnership

The Role of the group is to raise awareness and importance of the local nature reserve as well as help manage the site. The site which is known locally as ‘The Heathers’ or ‘Heath’ is a remaining fragment of the old Sherwood Forest” and because of its importance it is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest [SSSI] and supports rare plants and animals including lizards and three different types of heather.

The nature reserve lies at the heart of the estates extensive green space network which covers over 22 hectares. Although potentially providing a great resource for the estate over the years it suffered from neglect and misuse.

The Vision for Oak Tree is to create a well- managed, attractive, wildlife-rich ‘Nature Park’ covering this green space area for educational, recreational, training and health benefits for all residents to enjoy and to improve their quality of life. To do this we need to develop a strong partnership with organisations who share this vision and who want to help us deliver it.

Work has already commenced on planning for the Nature Park and a number of organisations are already contributing and supporting us include….. Mansfield District Council, Sherwood Forest Trust, Sherwood Forest Community Rangers, Greenwood Partnership, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, County Youth Arts, Oak Tree Primary School, SureStart, Nottinghamshire Community Foundation and Neighourhood Element Team  This is also supported by Oak Tree Neighbourhood Management Team and local groups who are willing to work together by cleaning and improving the area they live and work in as well as raise funds for community projects & events.

Oak Tree SAFE and friends group hold yearly events such as the Community Environmental Awareness Day, Local Nature Reserve & National Tree Dressing Event.

On the subject of help we are always looking for new faces and anyone who is willing to give us two/three hours a week will be welcomed with open arms.

For more information or how to get involved please contact Alison Brown on 01623 638880, email: abrown@mansfieldcvs.org

or call in at the Barrowhill Community Link, Oak Tree Lane Estate, Mansfield and ask for details.

Save Our Forests

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