Retford Cemetery is among three beauty-spots in the district that may be designated as a local nature reserve.
Bassetlaw Council and Notts Wildlife Trust are looking to create three new reserves and want to hear what local people think about the proposals.
Retford Cemetery, Langold Country Park (including Dyscarr Wood) and Woodsetts Pond could be turned in
to nature reserves, making them the first council owned reserves in the district.
"This would be a real shot in the arm for Bassetlaw council if we could make this happen and will bring us up to or near English Nature's target of one hectare of land for every 1,000 people," said Coun Mike Pugsley, the council's portfolio holder for environment and housing.
Retford Cemetery would be the first working cemetery in the county to be designated as local nature reserve, and Dyscarr Wood is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).
"As a council we have a nature conservation strategy and this will help us to meet our own targets too. We want to protect and develop the diverse wildlife that exists within Bassetlaw."
Woodsetts Pond has also been identified as an important local resource, and is already a SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation).
"We often forget the beauty spots that we literally have on our doorstep, but we as a council want to do all we can to safeguard them for generations to come," added Coun Pugsley.
Consultation is expected to run until 31st March and all documentation is available to study at the One Stop Shop in Retford, at planning reception, in the Queen's Buildings, Worksop, and at Langold Library and Langold Parish Council's office.
It can also be downloaded at www.bassetlaw.gov.uk
The full article contains 295 words and appears in Retford Trader & Guardian newspaper.
