Attenborough Nature Reserve - Places to Visit in Nottinghamshire

Attenborough Nature Reserve is situated about 5 miles south west of Nottingham, just off the A6005 between Beeston and Long Eaton. Turn on to Barton Lane off the A6005 at McDonalds following the brown tourist signs. The Car Park is situated at the bottom of Barton Lane.

Attenborough Nature Reserve is over 140 hectares of reclaimed gravel pits along the flood plain of the River Trent, just outside the city of Nottingham. The site became a nature reserve in 1966, and went on to become a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1982, due to the over-wintering of water birds like the pochard and shoveler.



There are fairly flat and wide gravel footpaths to all parts of the reserve, however the area near the Trent can get muddy in wet weather. Access to the waters edge is limited in places - sometimes by fences, but mainly by the plants, trees, bushes and reed beds - important breeding areas. There are plenty of open areas with seating over looking the lakes.

The waterfowl around the cafe/shop area are very tame, almost eating from your hands. Bread is not recommended, but bags of seed are sold in the shop.