United at Oaktree Heathland to spread wildfire prevention message

Key partners from across Nottinghamshire came together at Oaktree Heathland, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire last week (Wednesday 17 June 2026) showcasing collaborative work to protect and enhance the local environment, while raising awareness of wildfire risks.

The official launch event, held at Oaktree Heathland on Jubilee Way South, with local television and radio present was attended by representatives from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), including a fire appliance from Mansfield Fire Station and the Service’s specialist off-road wildfire misting unit based at Tuxford Fire Station. They gave a demonstration highlighting the importance of preparedness and rapid response in protecting vulnerable heathland areas.

The occasion brought together a strong partnership group supporting the Heathland Fire Prevention Education Project, a significant initiative running initially until March 2028. The project will reach more than 3,000 young people and their families across Mansfield and surrounding areas, delivering engaging education, creative activities and community action focused on fire safety and heathland conservation.

Attendees at the launch event included: Dianne Holmes, Head of Curriculum Strategy and Partnerships for ATTFE College, Carol Hallam, Community Engagement and Learning Lead at ATTFE College, Erin Exposito, Community Conservation Officer, The Sherwood Forest Trust. Richard Crisp, Commercial Development Executive from Mansfield Building Society, a funder of the project and Natasha Neale, Community Engagement Manager, at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

During the launch, all partners present saw volunteers from The Sherwood Forest Trust working on the heathland. A resident from the area with the heathland at heart was present also.

 This important initiative aims to reduce deliberate and accidental fires on priority heathland sites by Increasing awareness of heathlands, their ecological importance and the risks posed by fire, strengthening relationships between schools, communities and emergency services whilst supporting long-term conservation through volunteering and community engagement.

Education sits at the heart of the project. Led by Nottinghamshire’s ATTFE College, with delivery being developed in partnership with Sherwood Forest Trust, Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, and Nottinghamshire Police, ensuring a joined-up and impactful approach. The programme will combine classroom learning with practical, outdoor experience to deepen understanding and inspire lasting behaviour change.

Project delivery will include secondary school assemblies and workshops (initially with Years 7–9, expanding to Years 10–11) as well as primary school sessions focusing on Key Stage 2 pupils. In addition, youth co-production workshops, will enable young people to shape the project’s identity, with messaging and creative outputs such as videos, artwork and drama. Curriculum-linked visits to heathland sites will involve hands-on activities such as wildlife identification, litter picking, planting, and heritage interpretation, in collaboration with site managers and landowners.

Carol Hallam, Community Engagement and Learning Lead at ATTFE College, said: “This project is a fantastic example of how collaboration can deliver real benefits for both learners and the local environment. Over the project period, our students and participants will be directly involved in conservation activities, learning practical skills whilst helping to protect an important local habitat.”

Helen Sullivan, CEO of Sherwood Forest Trust, added: “Heathlands are incredibly important but fragile ecosystems. This project not only helps restore and protect the landscape but also ensures that more people understand their value and how their actions can help safeguard them for the future.”

Richard Crisp Commercial Development Executive at Mansfield Building Society commented: “We are proud to support a project that brings together education, conservation, and community engagement. Alongside The National Lottery

Heritage Fund, this investment will help create a lasting legacy for both the environment and local communities.”

Dianne Holmes, Head of Curriculum Strategy and Partnerships for ATTFE College, said: “Partnership working is at the heart of what we do. This project offers a unique opportunity to engage learners in meaningful, real-world experiences that build confidence, skills and a sense of responsibility towards their local environment.”

Natasha Neale, Community Engagement Manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Education is a vital tool in preventing fires. By working with young people and communities, we can raise awareness of the risks and encourage safer behaviours, helping to protect both people and our natural spaces.”

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service demonstrated their specialist wildfire response capability using their Wildfire Misting Unit during the event.

A Service spokesperson added: “Our wildfire misting unit allows us to access and tackle fires in difficult terrain quickly and effectively. Combined with education and prevention work, this helps us reduce the overall risk to vulnerable heathland, open spaces and woodland areas.”

The project places a strong emphasis on community involvement, with volunteers playing a key role in maintaining the heathland and supporting its long-term conservation.

A Sherwood Forest Trust volunteer present said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of preserving this landscape. The heathland is a rare and important habitat, and through ongoing conservation work we’re helping to protect it for wildlife and for future generations to enjoy.”