As part of the Heritage Open Days scheme, Forest Town Nature Conservation Group is offering a free two-hour guided tour on Saturday, 14th September, covering the history of Spa Ponds, known locally as Gara Ponds.

The community-owned wildlife site, on the edge of the historic Clipstone Deer Park, is now used regularly by dog walkers, cyclists, and ramblers.

Volunteer and event organiser Josh Dowen said: “When we bought this nature reserve in 2014 we became custodians of its amazing history, which ties into the kings of England, the English Civil War, and the lives of local people. I look forward to sharing this and showing people around this beautiful site.”

The site’s story connects with locations such as Sherwood Forest, King’s Clipstone, and King John’s Palace.

The conservation group, a registered charity that started out as a friends group in 2011, is run by volunteers, who hold work sessions at the reserve, usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Spa Ponds can be accessed from Clipstone Drive, opposite the Whitegates pub. Places on the tour are limited to adults, who need to book in advance. Go to www.foresttown.net or call Shlomo Dowen on 01623 640134.