Protecting heathland with Young Diverse Minds

OPAL East Midlands has been working with a number of community groups in the area to raise awareness of the importance of heathland and the steps we can take to prevent its decline.

Young Diverse Minds (YDM) is one such group. Based in Nottingham, YDM supports people aged 16 to 30 from African, Caribbean, Asian or dual-heritage cultures who have mental health support needs. They place particular emphasis on helping people re-engage with their community.

As well as providing individual support, YDM also bring groups together to take part in activities. The OPAL East Midlands team recently joined up with YDM on a visit to Sherwood Pines to work with the Forestry Commission and learn about the growing concern over heathland fragmentation.

There are some important heathland fragments in Sherwood Pines, and OPAL has teamed up with YDM and other groups to carry out vegetation surveys and other analysis. This will help scientists research the best way to protect this vital habitat.

Daniel from YDM (shown in bottom left photo) created the following music track to describe the day.

For more information on protecting heathland and how you can help, see the East Midlands activities page.

YDM and OPAL East Midlands visit Sherwood Pines