There are many resources concerning conservation and natural habitats. The closest large special habitat to Harlaxton is Sherwood Forest where there is a concerted effort to preserve the last old growth oak forest in England. The exhibition on Forests of the World is very thoughtfully done, and the nature trail through the forest does a great job of explaining the unique habitat of an oak tree. The visitors' center and the rangers of the educational facility can tailor special walks or programs for a group concerning history, literature, geology, botany or conservation. For teaching materials and further information call: (01623) 823202.
In the same area, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers offers conservation activities in the Nottinghamshire area all summer long. For a sampling of activities see the brochure in the reserve collections, or call North Kesteven branch at (01529) 414155. Also in Nottingham is a group called "Turning the Tide" concerned with conservation activities in Nottinghamshire. For more information from this group call (01115) 915-4601.
Southeast of Nottingham, at the intersection of Derbyshire, Leicestershre, and Staffordshire, is the National Forest. The forest covers a wide area and includes many different centers such as the Heart of the National Forest Visitor Centre, The Rosliston Forestry Centre, Beehive Farm, Beacon Hill Country Park and Native Tree Collection, Calke Abbey, and Ashby Castle. If you are tired of tea rooms by then, you can visit the Bass Museum in Burton-upon-Trent. For a more detailed list of resources in the National Forest, see the brochure on reserve, or call (01283) 216633.
In the north, in Cumbria, the Lakes District National Park offers a very thorough program of conservation and environmental activities ranging from farming and tourism, to glaciation, ecosytem management, and land use issues. The National Park Education Services also publishes pamphlets including resource guides, facts and figures, visitor surveys and field studies in Cumbria. They also offer a special "Visit Planner" that has information on accommodation, transport, places to visit, leaders, and other information for group visits to the area. See the brochure on reserve for a full listing of their programs, or call them at (015394) 46601 or fax at (015394) 45555.
In the south, there is the New Forest located around Lyndhurst in Dorset. The visitor center offers exhibits on Forest Issues and offers educational facilities for school trips. You can call the visitors center at: (01703) 283914.
Also in Dorset is the Studland National Nature Reserve. It is located right along the Southern Coastal Path and is within walking distance of Swanage. Studland includes a nature reserve and a conservation area where they are trying to rebuild the heathland that is slowly being eroded by golf courses and housing developments. There is also a Heather Walk waymarked through the dunes, and although the water is a bit chilly, there is, in fact, a naturist area on the north end of Studland Bay.
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