On January 29, 2026, the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust launched its ‘Action for Wildlife’ fundraising appeal to help protect and restore natural spaces in Carlton, Nottinghamshire. The county-wide campaign aims to raise money to care for dozens of nature reserves across Nottinghamshire — the trust’s website currently lists 41 reserves — many of which have come under pressure from recent flooding and urban growth.
For people living in Carlton, the project will focus on local spots such as the Netherfield Lagoons and the green corridors leading to the River Trent. Donations will be used to buy specialised tools for volunteers (for example, powerscythes for reed management), improve accessibility on local trails and repair footpaths so residents can continue to enjoy these outdoor spaces for exercise and wildlife watching.
The lagoons have a long industrial history: the site was used by Gedling Colliery (Gedling Pit) and was later colonised by wildlife. The Gedling Conservation Trust now owns and manages Netherfield Lagoons, and the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is working alongside them and local volunteer groups to manage habitats as part of a wider plan to make more room for nature in the years ahead.
“Nature is no longer just a ‘nice to have’ — it is our life support system. This appeal is about giving the people of Carlton and beyond the tools to protect the wild spaces right on their doorsteps,” said Paul Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. Residents can support the effort by making a donation or joining local volunteer groups that help control invasive species and monitor habitat health.
The trust hopes that by improving these green corridors it can better connect gardens in Carlton to the wider Trent Valley. More information on how to help or join a guided walk can be found via the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust website, including the Wilder Nottinghamshire pages.
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