As people are quarantined following government lockdown restrictions, some people are finding themselves appreciating their time outdoors more.
The country has some beautiful scenery and due to the busy lifestyles, many people lived before the lockdown restrictions, so much of it is unseen.
Here are some places you should consider visiting in and around Nottingham after lockdown restrictions have been lifted.
Budby Heath (South Forest)
The official title is the Budby south forest and is a large area of heath land alongside the Sherwood forest, a perfect place for long walks at any time during the year.
It is broken up into fenced areas with paths threading through between the fences. Budby heath is well known in the local area to be very picturesque with its array of colours, which show their best during sunny periods in autumn.
The scenery is not the only attraction, but the heath also has its rich source of wildlife. Lizards, birds and snakes are some of the animals that have habitats in the area and during springtime frogspawn are in every puddle and small ponds scattered across the area. The paths and trails throughout the heath are in proximity of Sherwood forest which allows for alternative routes throughout the land.
Dob Park
The first community woodland in Greenwood located on Washdyke Lane, Hucknall is considered by locals as one of Hucknall’s best kept secret which provides amazing scenery.
There are no surfaced paths throughout the grasslands and they link to the various paths around the site and wider countryside
A stroll along the stream in the park also gives access to a varied range of bird species and wetland creatures.
Rainworth heath
The 16-hectare land is part of the historic Sherwood Forest area and is one of the last remaining heathlands in the country.
The land is known for having areas of both dry and wet heath land and is the home of many bird species. Due to the Hebridean sheep that settee on the land’s visitors are asked to stay on the paths and not go into the grazing areas.
The area is easily accessible with well- trodden paths that allow for a nice stroll through the heath. This area is also dominated by an array of plants and trees that best display their colours during the spring season that make for the perfect picture.
Cockglode and Rotary Woods
The woods surround the Sherwood landscape just off the A16 Ollerton roundabout. From the top of the woods there are some beautiful views which look over Cockglode wood and views towards Sherwood forest county park and village.
The woods contain fantastic views surrounding the landscape with exotic trees and shrubs. There is plenty of butterflies, insects and ground nesting birds that take advantage of the maturing woodland and wide grassy paths.
Cockglode wood being remnant of the woodland that covered the area long before it became the Royal Hunting Forest of Sherwood. The bluebells and dog mercury that appear in the wood every spring are clues to the ancient woodland. A place ideal for peaceful walks to soak up the fantastic views of the surrounding forest.
Manton Pit Wood
You can find this woodland and grassland located south east of Worksop on the restored colliery spoil heaps on the former Manton Colliery and is suitable for those walking, running and cycling.
The land has a network of surfaced tracks suitable for all exercise and has great off-road links to the Chesterfield Canal and Clumber Park.
There are also historical links to the park with the opportunity to view their gateway sculpture which celebrates the mining heritage and transformation of the spoil heap to wildlife habitat.
During spring and summer seasons, there are many types of wildflowers, bird species and butterflies.
