Notts: Discover and explore some of the county’s natural ‘hidden gems’ this weekend

With Notts County Council’s country parks – Rufford Abbey, Sherwood Forest and Bestwood Country Park – expected to be busy again this coming weekend and during next week, the public are also invited to consider visiting some of the county council’s green estate sites.

People out and about are also invited to once again take a ‘selfie’ photograph of them and their friends and family capturing ‘a fun day out’ to feature on the county council’s social media channels.

Post your pictures on Twitter to: @nottscc

Green estate sites include restored former pit tips, disused railway lines, new and mature woodland, agricultural land and old gravel workings.

One of the most important elements of site management is involving local people and communities.

Coun John Knight, committee chairman for culture, at the county council, said: “Our country parks will again be a popular destination this coming Bank Holiday with exciting events at Sherwood, Rufford Abbey and Bestwood.

“If people are looking for something different, then a visit to one of our Green Estate sites might be an idea to consider.”

“Many of these sites are used for recreational activities such as cycling, horse riding, walking, or simply enjoying nature, and most have at least part of the site put aside for wildlife.”

“They are hidden gems and well worth a visit.”

One of these areas includes White Mole Wood (Birch Wood) on Mattersey Road in Ranskill.

A naturally regenerated birch wood on a calcareous substrate that features four species of orchid, vistitors can stroll along a surfaced path that loops through the site.

For more details visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/whatson and you can also sign up to the Email Me service via the county council website.

Another date for the diary is 31st May when the Worksop Sea Cadet and Marine Cadets will be holding a fun recruitment day at Rufford Abbey, near Ollerton from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Everyone is invited to meet the young men and women from the cadets and find out more about what they actually do.

Let them impress you with drill, first aid and semaphore flag demonstrations as well as other activities.

You can also try your hand at knot-tying and find out how good you are with the phonetic alphabet.

Entry is free but car parking is £3. For more information www.sea-cadets.org/worksop/about-our-unit.aspx