Now we’re in the summer months it’s a great time for us all to appreciate the wide variety of nature and wildlife in this fantastic county of ours.
This is why Nottinghamshire County Council is supporting the Wildlife Trust’s month-long campaign throughout June to make more room for nature in our lives.
We are very lucky to have some impressive country parks such as Rufford Abbey, Holme Pierrepont and Sherwood Forest Country Parks, all either owned or managed by Nottinghamshire County Council, as well as the dozens of nature reserves and green spaces covering almost 1900 hectares. These provide an ideal setting to enjoying nature.
Sherwood Forest is of course world famous for its ancient oaks but a less well known is the fact that 1500 different invertebrates and 250 species of spiders have also been recorded on site.
If you’re struggling for ideas of how to get involved or don’t think you have the time, then the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust have a whole host of quick and easy ideas and events to help people connect with nature. Afterall, there’s evidence to suggest that it’s good for our health as well as our mental health.
They have some really nice, simple suggestions. My favourites are enjoying your first brew of the day sat in the garden and recording bird song on your mobile phone – then using it as a ring tone!
Experiencing wildlife can be done almost anywhere – you don’t have to be the countryside. Whether it’s by walking to work or just by leaving your bedroom window open and listening to the birdsong early in the morning.
Or if you can spare the time, you could even volunteer at one of our country parks. This can help you to stay healthy, be more social and provide vital skills to help with future job opportunities. For more details, please call 0115 975 3782.
By signing up to this Wildlife Trust campaign, www.mywildlife.org.uk/30dayswild the Trust will send you a pack full of ideas and goodies to help inspire you to make nature part of your life.
Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of Communities and Place Committee