Mansfield's Green Heroes

Green Heroes

Celebrating Local Environmental Action in Mansfield

Green Heroes is a community-led exhibition celebrating the people, groups and everyday actions helping to protect and care for Mansfield’s natural environment.

Developed by Mansfield Museum as part of its Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation programme, the exhibition brings together stories of local environmental work through film, photography and digital interpretation. It highlights grassroots organisations, volunteers and individuals working across conservation, biodiversity, sustainability and environmental education within the district.

At the heart of Green Heroes is a belief that meaningful change often begins locally. The exhibition shares real stories from Mansfield and the surrounding area, offering visitors insight into how communities are responding to environmental challenges and caring for the places they live.

Created in collaboration with local groups and contributors, the exhibition forms part of Mansfield Museum’s ongoing commitment to developing digital culture, increasing access to creative technologies, and working beyond the museum walls to connect with communities across the district.

Green Heroes invites visitors to reflect, learn and feel inspired by the environmental work already happening on their doorstep — and to consider how small actions can make a difference.

Connecting with Our Local Environmental Community

Green Heroes was developed as a way for Mansfield Museum to connect more deeply with local environmental and conservation groups, and to listen to the people already doing vital work across the district.

As a local authority museum, we recognise our role not just as a place to display collections, but as a platform for sharing stories, building connections and supporting community-led action. This exhibition reflects our commitment to working beyond the museum building, strengthening relationships with local groups, and helping to amplify voices that are often underrepresented.

Through Green Heroes, the museum aims to support local organisations by:

Sharing their stories with wider audiences
Highlighting the urgent need for climate and environmental action in our district
Providing space for groups to celebrate successes and openly discuss challenges
Creating opportunities for groups to connect with each other and with the public

This exhibition marks the beginning of an ongoing conversation. Mansfield Museum is keen to continue working with environmental and conservation groups to explore new ways of telling local stories, using digital tools and creative approaches to support learning, collaboration and positive change.

Participating Groups

The following local groups were selected to take part in Green Heroes, each representing a different aspect of environmental care, conservation and community action within the Mansfield district.

Gardens of Giving CIC

Focus / Area of Work: Tackling food poverty, mental health, sustainability, and skills development across Mansfield and Ashfield. Gardens of Giving links growing, learning, and wellbeing, partnering with schools, community groups, and charities.

Their raised planting beds engage children, young people, and adults in growing produce together. Around 80% of the harvest is donated to local food banks, and the remainder is used to produce seeds for the following year, creating a sustainable cycle. By integrating practical learning with community action, Gardens of Giving fosters environmental education, wellbeing, and stronger local connections.

Mansfield Wildlife Rescue

Focus / Area of Work: Rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, orphaned, and displaced British wildlife.

Caring for over 1,000 animals each year, Mansfield Wildlife Rescue combines expert care with education, inspiring the community to protect and coexist with local wildlife. Its woodland sanctuary and volunteer-led programs provide a safe space for recovery and public engagement.

Maun Conservation Group

Focus / Area of Work: Protecting and enhancing the River Maun and surrounding habitats, with a focus on community-led conservation.

Run entirely by volunteers, the group carries out habitat restoration, wildlife surveys, litter picks, and educational activities. Collaborating with local authorities and organisations, they have transformed nature reserves into thriving green spaces for wildlife and people.

Forest Town Nature Conservation Group – Spa Ponds

Focus / Area of Work: Managing and enhancing Spa Ponds (‘Gara Ponds’) as a wildlife haven and community green space.

Volunteers like Shlomo and long-standing Secretary Sarah have led habitat restoration, biodiversity projects, and educational programs for nearly 15 years. Their work ensures Spa Ponds remains a flourishing natural space for wildlife, learning, and community enjoyment.

Sophie Wragg

Focus / Area of Work: Sustainability consultancy and environmental education for local businesses.

Sophie helps businesses reduce their environmental impact, calculate carbon footprints, access funding, and implement decarbonisation projects. Her work has enabled local businesses to save hundreds of tonnes of CO₂, demonstrating how practical sustainability leadership can create real change.

Northfield Avenue Community Allotments

Focus / Area of Work: Providing a welcoming space for growing food, learning, and community engagement.

From a small plot in 2020, the allotment now features polytunnels, chickens, a beehive, and a donation hub. Volunteers of all ages share knowledge, care for the site, and host educational visits, creating a vibrant hub for wellbeing, environmental learning, and community connection.

Mansfield & Sherwood Ramblers

Focus / Area of Work: Organising guided walks and promoting access to local landscapes while protecting the environment.

The group leads walks across Mansfield and Sherwood, maintaining footpaths, litter-picking, and engaging the community with the local environment. Their work encourages outdoor activity, environmental stewardship, and appreciation of the district’s natural heritage.