An exciting new partnership between Sherwood Forest Trust (SFT) and Academy Transformation Trust Further Education (ATTFE) College will launch a major education initiative to help protect Sherwood’s historic heathlands in Nottinghamshire from fire.
The Heathland Fire Prevention Education Project, running from April 2026 to March 2028, will reach more than 3,000 young people and their families across Mansfield, delivering engaging education, creative activities, and community action focused on fire safety and heathland conservation.
The project 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
– Encouraging positive behaviour change among young people and families
– Strengthening relationships between schools, communities, and emergency services
– Supporting long-term conservation through volunteering and community engagement.
Education will be at the heart of prevention. ATTFE College will lead on programme design, partnership development, and delivery, working closely with Sherwood Forest Trust, Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, and Nottinghamshire Police to co-produce innovative learning resources.
Delivery will include:
– Secondary school assemblies and workshops (Years 7–9 initially, then Years 10–12)
– Primary school sessions focused on Key Stage 2
– Youth co-production workshops, enabling young people to create the project’s name, messages, and creative digital resources such as videos, artwork, and drama.
Young people will also take part in curriculum-linked visits to heathland sites, involving activities such as wildlife identification, litter picks, planting, and heritage interpretation, agreed with site managers and landowners.
Liz Barrett OBE DL, Principal of ATTFE College, said:
“ATTFE College is beyond thrilled to be working in partnership with the Sherwood Forest Trust on the Heathland Fire Prevention Education Project. It aligns strongly with our commitment to locality and community and truly represents what it means to be #InThisTogether.”
The project will extend beyond schools, engaging families and communities to get involved, delivering family learning sessions, school holiday activities, community events, and volunteering opportunities to raise awareness and encourage shared responsibility for protecting heathlands.
Digital and physical resources developed through the project will form a lasting legacy, enabling Sherwood Forest Trust and partners to continue fire prevention education well beyond the project’s lifespan.
Helen Sullivan, CEO of Sherwood Forest Trust, commented:
“Our heathlands are a precious part of the historic forest, yet now so rare. Home to nightjars, common lizards, and green tiger beetles, they also lock up carbon in their soils – so when they burn, they not only destroy wildlife habitat but release that carbon back into the atmosphere. We’re delighted to be working in partnership, bringing together Sherwood Forest Trust’s strengths in conservation with ATTFE’s expertise in education and community outreach, to empower young people and local communities with knowledge, creativity, and a sense of ownership so this project can make a lasting difference to how these special places are protected.”
Strong partnerships and shared ambition will see Sherwood Forest Trust as the overall project sponsor and fund holder, providing strategic oversight to ensure the greatest impact, with funding secured from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and local match funding from Mansfield Building Society.
Pictured:
Dianne Holmes, ATTFE College, Head of Curriculum Strategy and Partnerships. Blue jacket
Carol Hallam, ATTFE College, Community Engagement and Learning Lead. – Lady wearing glasses Blue jacket
Helen Sullivan, CEO, The Sherwood Forest Trust – Lady in grey jacket.
Erin Exposito, Community Conservation Officer, The Sherwood Forest Trust – Lady in T Shirt
With Sherwood Forest Trust Volunteers
Andrij Wusatyj – male in green high viz
Adrian Wright – male in Blue Boiler suit
Margaret Wright – lady wife to Adrian Wright in sunglasses and blue fleece
