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. A walk around the main lake would take about 35-50 mins, and around the whole reserve would take well over an hour - it's a big place. There are a few seats and places to stop along the way, including a hide overlooking some bird feeding tables and the lake / reed beds. The eco friendly cafe & shop is located in the middle of a lake near the main car park. Weekdays are the best for a more quite visit. At weekends it can get very busy with both cyclists and walkers. In summer the park gates don't close until 10pm, so early and late are often best. Current Opening Times: The Centre: Monday–Friday: 10am–4pm. Weekend: 9am–4pm Car access to the Reserve, daily, 7am–dusk Entry is free though a £1 donation/request box is provided. |
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Features Large Lake Flat paths Cafe / Shop / Toilets |
Wildlife - ducks, swans, coots, diving ducks, cormorants, grebes etc Free car park |
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Attenborough Nature ReserveOver 140 hectares of reclaimed gravel pits along the banks of the River Trent. Great for birdwatching.Click here for more photos, wallpapers and information about Attenborough Nature Reserve. |
Wollaton Hall and Deer Park500 acres of parkland with woodland & lakeside walks. Home to the Nottingham Natural History Museum and the Industrial Museum. The park also has lots of Red and Fallow Deer.Click for more photos & info about Wollaton Hall |
NaturescapeA 'Wildflower Farm'. But it's not really a 'farm' in the normal sense, more a set of meadows and habitats all with slightly different conditions to encourage different wildflowers to grow.More images and info about Naturescape Wildflower Farm. |
Newstead AbbeyLarge gardens, parkland and lakes. With many different types of garden areas including - The Fern Garden, Rockery, Sub-Topical Garden, Spanish Garden and Japanese Garden.Click for pictures & info on Newstead Abbey Gardens |
Clumber ParkClumber park has over 3,800 acres, with woods & forest, open heath, with a lake at its center and the longest avenue of lime trees in Europe.Click here for info and photographs of Clumber Park |
Greens WindmillGeorge Greens' Mill is a fully working windmill. It was owned in the 19th century by the mathematical physicist George Green.Click here for info and Pictures of George Green's Windmill |
Sherwood ForestOld Oak and Birch Forest woodland. North Nottinghamshire. Location of the Major Oak, from the legend of Robin Hood.Click for photos, wallpapers & info on Sherwood Forest Country Park |
Rufford Country ParkA large 150 acre Country Park in the North of Nottinghamshire on the edge of Sherwood Forest.Click for more pictures and info on Rufford Country Park |
Gunthorpe Lock on the River TrentBetween Nottingham and Newark on Trent off the A6097. Working lock and river side walk.Click for pictures and extra info about Gunthorpe Lock. |
University Park & LakeThe University of Nottingham Park and lake, located to the West of the City center. A nice quite spot in a busy city, open to the public.Click here for lots more info and photos of University Park. |
Colwick Park Lakes - Nottingham3 very large gravel pits have been transformed into lakes and a marina. The lakes are a good location for views of water birds.Click for picture and info about Colwick Park & Lakes. |
Newark on Trent Castle & Lock.A lovely old market town to the North East of Nottingham. The Castle ruin is on the banks of the River Trent very near to the working locks.Click for pictures and info on Newark on Trent & Newark Lock |
Southwell MinsterSouthwell Minster is a minster and a cathedral, located in the town of Southwell in North Nottinghamshire, 14 miles north east of Nottingham.Click for more photos and info about Southwell Minster. |
Holme Pierrepont National Water sports Center
Along the side of the River Trent just outside Nottingham. Includes a long rowing coarse, a fast flowing canoe slalom coarse and calmer practice lakes. It's free to enter.Click for more information and photo from Holme Pierrepont. |