Around 450 students have visited local beauty spots for the third annual Make a Difference day at the Samworth Church Academy, Mansfield.
The event, organised with the Forestry Commission, Forest Town Nature Conservation Group and Veolia UK, is tasked with removing invasive Himalayan balsam, which is damaging to native forest bio-diversity.
Academy vice-principal Ian James said they were committed to wildlife and habitat conservation.
“We started this project three years ago with an idea that students should do a service for their local community, helping to look after its environment.
“We are lucky to have many outstanding and beautiful locations and we shouldn’t be complacent about protecting them.”
Shlomo Dowen of the conservation group, said: “It’s a wonderful concept; the idea that charity isn’t about just giving money, it can be about time and effort.
“From past experience the youngsters have always put a lot of effort into the day. They seem to get the idea.
“We are always looking towards the future and young people are the future of our group. So the more young people get used to the idea of volunteering and to get a feel of the practical side, the better.
“We hope they will come to look at the wildlife. ”
Mr Dowen said it had been a challenge to find places where there was enough balsam to pull because of the success of work done in previous years.
“In areas where balsam has been a problem in the past, we find the situation improved because it requires three years pulling to clear an area as the seeds will last two years.”
The academy was recognised for its environmental work earlier this year when it received an award from Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust for its efforts in protecting the county’s environment.