Every Tuesday morning, something quietly beautiful happens at Attenborough Nature Reserve. While most visitors are arriving for a peaceful walk or a morning coffee, a small group of volunteers from the Martin Jackaman Centre (MJC) are already out on the paths, tending to the space with care, intention and joy. 

The group, made up of adults with learning difficulties and supported by their dedicated staff, have chosen Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust as their charity of the year. But they didn’t want to simply fundraise. They wanted to give something back. And so began a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and the healing power of nature. 

Each week, the MJC team roll up their sleeves and take on tasks that make a big difference for both people and wildlife. They clear paths to keep them accessible for all visitors. They remove Himalayan Balsam – an invasive plant that threatens native species. They scrub down benches and signage, making the reserve more welcoming. And most touchingly, they carefully clean the engraved memorial leaves near the visitor centre – small acts of kindness that have sparked heartfelt comments from visitors who lost loved ones. Visitors have shared how much it means to see these memories being cared for. 

In return, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has been supporting the MJC’s Garden Club with tailored ecological advice to even further enhance their green space as a wildlife haven. MJC had already put in a wildlife pond, created a mini hedgehog wood, a bug hotel and put up nest boxes. Lorna, City Nature Recovery Officer from NWT, has given more detailed advice on the ongoing management and further enhancements they can make.