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The Natural World Centre & Whisby Nature Park
Whisby Nature Park was opened in 1989. There are two full-time wardens who undertake habitat management and amenity maintenance and development on behalf of visitors. The Nature Park comprises of a complex of small, medium and large flooded gravel pits. Some former pits in the area have been used as sediment lagoons and now form wet willow scrub or clay grasslands where the appropriate management has been undertaken. There is only one major stream, an agricultural drain of some local importance, the Pike Drain. Highlights: A total of twenty eight species of butterfly have been recorded on the Nature Park over recent years, of which twenty two occur annually. A huge diversity of birds can be seen here, including Summer migrants like the Nightingales that breed at Whisby, this being regarded as the most Northerly part of their range. Guided walks are available with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and there are interactive exhibitions and many educational activities for children. Visitors can enjoy a great day out in the Reserve, which includes a large gift shop and excellent Cafe.

THE CEDAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Wendy Radford has been taking in many kinds of orphaned, sick and injured birds and animals for over ten years and the Mansfield local RSPB Group can testify to her skill and dedication in caring for creatures in need. Although Wendy eventually releases most of her patients back into the wild, some of them are too sick or unable to fend for themselves and these are given a permanent home at the Sanctuary. Wendy is recognised and approved by the RSPCA and has now acquired charitable status.

Pleasley Pit Nature Study Group
Coal mining began at Pleasley in 1873 and ended in 1983. The waste rock which was excavated from the mine was tipped on nearby fields, eventually the soil covered 150 acres. A few years after the mine had closed British Coal agreed that Derbyshire County Council could take over the site. There were many suggestions about how to use it and eventually everyone agreed that it should become a Country Park. Ponds were created, drainage ditches ensured that the water went where it was most needed, reed beds and native trees were planted. Within a short time many varieties of plants, animals, birds and insects have come to live on the site. Members helped with the major construction of the site in its early stages in the year 2000. Pleasley Pit Nature Study Group then took over most of the routine maintenance of the site.

Middleton Lakes
Situated within the beautiful River Tame valley, just south of Tamworth in Staffordshire/Warwickshire, Middleton Lakes has become a new RSPB nature reserve due to open to the public in 2010. The 160 hectare site is a former Hanson Aggregates gravel quarry adjacent to Middleton Hall and between the River Tame and the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal. About half the land has been acquired by the RSPB from Hanson, through a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the remainder has been provided as part of an earlier planning agreement between Staffordshire County Council and Hanson. Hanson's quarrying ended during 2007 and the RSPB is working with the company to ensure that the final restoration benefits birds, wildlife and visitors. The area is already regionally important for overwintering wildfowl such as pochards, tufted ducks and smews. By 2015, Middleton Lakes will become the most important site for breeding waders in the West Midlands region and adjoining counties of the East Midlands. Its lakes, reedbeds, meadows and woodlands will make it one of the best birdwatching sites in the area. Other wildlife of conservation importance includes otters, water voles, wetland plants, and insects such as dragonflies.

Mansfield and District Survey
Did you know that peregrine falcons have suffered terrible persecution in the Mansfield area in recent years? The Conservation Officer for the Mansfield local RSPB group has put together this website for local news and views.

Langford Lowfields
The RSPB are working in partnership with Tarmac to restore a sand and gravel quarry on the River Trent into the biggest reedbed in the East Midlands. At present there is a public footpath that follows the entire perimeter of the site, giving great views of the changing landscape. At the moment, the only public access to the rest of the site is by appointment, via a guided walk or volunteering. There's a fully-fledged volunteering set-up during weekdays, together with a monthly weekend work party. Apart from the public footpath, there is no public access for individuals or for independent visits at the moment. If you want to come along to see this exciting, developing reserve, you must contact the reserve office on 01636 893611 and arrange to be part of a group visit. The habitats are developing rapidly, with over 30 ha of reedbed planted and a 3 ha mature woodland. Species highlights include wintering bittern, five species of owl, badgers, avocets and an abundance of sand martins. If you are new to birdwatching, there are excellent, all year-round wildlife spectacles. The changing landscape with major habitat creation is of huge interest. Winter months generate large waterfowl numbers, starling roosts, and five owl species. Summer months include regionally important numbers of reed and sedge warblers, numerous cuckoos, marsh harriers, breeding avocets, over 18 species of butterflies, and badgers.

Homes for Wildlife
The RSPB's Homes for Wildlife is an exciting new activity, inspiring people to make a real difference for the wildlife that shares the open space closest to them - their garden. It aims to help a range of wildlife, including familiar birds that have seriously declined. By taking part in Homes for Wildlife, you can make a real difference to their fortunes and help to reverse the declines. To find out more and sign up, please visit: http://www.rspb.org.uk/hfw

Gardens for Nature
We are inviting you to open your garden to your friends, family and local community to help raise funds for our vital conservation work. Many people enjoy nature but don't get the opportunity to engage with it - opening your garden can highlight the value of nature and wildlife gardening to your community, while bringing you a lot of pleasure showcasing your efforts. To find out more, please visit: http://www.rspb.org.uk/gardensfornature.asp

Ashplorers
Ashplorers is the Kirkby in Ashfield RSPB Wildlife Explorers group, which is for 8-12 year olds (younger children are welcome, but need to be accompanied).