RSPB Update June 2024
Wildfire campaign
The RSPB and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have worked together as part of a UK-wide campaign to raise awareness of the risk of wildfires on nature reserves.
In particular, we have emphasised that barbecues and campfires are not permitted anywhere on the reserve, and that cigarettes should be extinguished and disposed of carefully.
Any visitor who sees fire or smoke on the reserves during the summer should call 999.
We would be grateful for the parish council’s support for these key messages in order to protect the forest and its visitors.
The campaign was featured locally by the Newark Advertiser and Notts TV.
Cemetery/YHA barrier closing
We are very grateful to all the local residents who have volunteered to close the cemetery barrier on Forest Corner at 7pm each night.
We would like to recruit a few more volunteers to help with this responsibility and would welcome any support the council is able to give us to help do that.
If councillors could spread the word, that would be very much appreciated.
Volunteers can call us on 01623 677321, email sherwoodforest@rspb.org.uk or pop into the office at the Visitor Centre.
Cattle welfare
We had an excellent response to our request for volunteers to carry out regular checks on the cattle on the reserves.
The ‘lookerers’ have now been trained and have begun their observations, ensuring that cattle are in the correct enclosures and appear to be in good health, and that fencing and other infrastructure is robust.
Any issues of concern are reported immediately to the grazier at the Thoresby Estate.
Volunteer Thank You Event
By the time this report is received we will have held our annual Volunteer Thank You Event at the Visitor Centre during Volunteers Walk.
As well as highlighting the achievements of our volunteer community over the past 12 months, we have presented long-serving volunteers with their RSPB Swift badges in recognition of their dedication.
Volunteering opportunity
There is an opportunity to support the reserve’s staff and volunteers at this summer’s Robin Hood Festival in a range of roles.
If you would be interested in helping to make the Festival a success by volunteering please contact the reserve office by calling 01623 677321 or emailing sherwoodforest@rspb.org.uk
Issues on the reserve
There have been sporadic incidents of low-level antisocial behaviour around the reserve in recent weeks.
We have had a small number of broken items in and around the Visitor Centre and reserve, and out on reserve.
We have recorded one instance of fly-tipping (garden waste).
There has also been damage caused to some trees. There are a number of cameras installed across the reserve and we will continue to liaise with Nottinghamshire Police, as necessary.
A number of wooden bird feeder trays had been attached to fences by an anonymous visitor in recent weeks.
These have been removed because while we do appreciate that some visitors do like to feed the birds in the woodland, secondary feeding is not encouraged.
There is enough food growing naturally within the forest for its birds and mammals. Feeders are of greater use in gardens and other outdoor spaces.
Robin Hood Festival advertising
With the Robin Hood Festival fast approaching there is an opportunity to advertise in the Festival programme.
If the council would like to take up this opportunity, please contact Rob James (details below).
Upcoming events
Tuesday 18th June 10am: Hygge Tuesday Nordic Walking
Saturday 22nd June1pm: Myths and Legends with the Master at Arms
Tuesday 25th June 10am: Hygge Tuesday Nordic Walking
Thursday 27th June 6.30pm: This Is My Theatre presents The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Saturday 29th June 10.30am: A Tour with the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Thursday 4th July 8.30pm: Women only Nightjar Jaunt.
