Mayor Kate Allsop officially opened the new access path to the picnic area at Mansfield’s Quarry Lane Nature Reserve.

The route is part of the Maun Conservation Group’s £25,000 improvement project, which will enable wheelchair users, people with limited mobility and users of pushchairs and prams to reach the picnic site.

Funding for the project came from the Veolia Environmental Trust, who awarded a grant of £23,234 through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The money was also used to build a path around the picnic benches and provide steps to the mill pond.

Kate Allsop said: “I would like to congratulate the Maun Conservation Group for the fantastic work they do in conserving our local nature reserves for the benefit of our community. They are without doubt one of the best community groups we have in Mansfield.

“These access improvements will mean that more people will be able to enjoy the picnic site and this popular local nature reserve.”

Six Year 3 children from Sutton Road Primary School, Mansfield, helped at the opening and had a picnic with the mayor.