Attenborough SSSI
This beautiful complex of flooded former gravel pits and islands provides 360 acres of exceptional habitat for a wide range of plants, birds and other wildlife. The Nature Reserve is nationally designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the award-winning Nature Centre is an ideal gateway to this natural haven.
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How to get to Attenborough SSSI
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The Nature Centre and Reserve are situated just off the A6005 between Beeston and Long Eaton (SK515339). Turn onto Barton Lane at the traffic lights at Chilwell Retail Park (McDonalds and Porcelanosa). Follow Barton Lane with the Village Hotel on your left, over the railway crossing and the car park is at the bottom. You can also follow the brown tourist signs from the A52 between the M1 exit at junction 25 and Bardill’s Garden Centre. For SatNav purposes use NG9 6DY.
Click here to find out more about the award-winning Attenborough Nature Centre at the heart of the reserve.
Attenborough Nature Reserve was established in 1966 and opened by Sir David Attenborough. It owes its current appearance to gravel and sand extraction and careful restoration work. Extraction began in 1929, and still takes place today just upstream of the nature reserve. The material left over after the extraction process formed the various islands and shallows which, together with the open water, created a mosaic of habitats that are attractive to many different birds. Between the ponds are drier areas of scrub and grassland as well as native willow trees.
The reserve is best known for its birds. The area is an important site for winter wildfowl and often holds a high proportion of the county's shoveler and diving ducks, with larger numbers of mallard, teal, and occasionally wigeon. Scarcer wildfowl such as sawbills and sea ducks are recorded regularly and cormorants are common. All the British grebes have been recorded. In the spring and autumn, many migrants birds pass through and the Delta area attracts a wide range of waders in small numbers including the iconic bittern. In the summer, the breeding birds include great crested grebe, shelduck, little ringed plover and common tern. A substantial population of reed and sedge warblers, and some rarer species such as grasshopper warbler, may also be present.
As well as discovering the birdlife of Attenborough, lots of other wildlife can be found on the reserve. In the spring and summer the reserve is a hive of activity with butterflies visiting the many wildflowers and dragonflies and damselflies hunting and patrolling the water’s edge. Foxes, voles, shrews, harvest mice, otters and bats also make their home here in the reserve.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers work hard to maintain and develop the diverse habitats at Attenborough. This includes maintenance of the footpath network and public areas, as well as designated areas of restricted access (such as the Delta Sanctuary) where the diversity of habitats and associated flora and fauna must be maintained. Much work has been done around the reserve to create new reedbeds and extend existing ones, and to re-landscape specific areas of the reserve to attract and encourage more wildlife.
Facilities
The Nature Centre is a great place to discover more about the reserve and its wonderful wildlife, as well as enjoying the interactive displays, shop and café facilities. Attenborough’s three hides (one of which is raised for the perfect vantage point) are ideal places to observe the birdlife without disturbing their peaceful habitat.
There is ample car parking and the majority of the reserve is wheelchair-accessible. Visitors can follow one of the two signposted walking routes around the reserve, or join in one of the regular guided walks.
The new Audiotour provides an opportunity to learn about the reserve and its wildlife using your mobile phone as a guide.
Why not visit the Nature Centre website for more information: www.attenboroughnaturecentre.co.uk
Opening times
Access to the Nature Reserve: 7am-dusk
Nature Centre opening times:
SPRING & SUMMER (April – October)
Weekdays: 10am – 5pm
Weekends & Bank Holidays: 9am – 6pm
AUTUMN & WINTER (November – March)
Weekdays: 10am – 4pm
Weekends & Bank Holidays: 9am – 6pm
Christmas Eve 10am - 3pm
Only closed on Christmas Day
(Times subject to change)
Events at Attenborough SSSI
Attenborough Nature Walk
Sunday 5th February 2012
Find out what wildlife is around Attenborough Nature Reserve at this time of year by joining some of the wardens for a nature walk. No need to book. Please come dressed for the weather and wear stout shoes or boots. No dogs please. Meet 10.30am at the Nature Centre.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Winter Trees ID Course
Saturday 11th February 2012
Ever wanted to be able to identify the trees around you? Join us on an introductory course at Attenborough Nature Reserve where you’ll learn to recognise trees in winter. Find out how to use twigs and buds as clues to identify our native trees, before going out onto the reserve to test your knowledge. 10am – 2pm. £6 per person. Please book in advance.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
An Introduction to the World of Wildlife Photography
Saturday 11th February 2012
This exciting activity gives you a rare chance to try your hand at photographing some of the abundant wildlife here at Attenborough Nature Reserve. The session will include a briefing from an expert instructor, a supervised session in one of our hides, and a chance to use some professional camera equipment as well as some tips on getting the most from your camera. Afterwards you will be able to take your images home on a CD. Suitable for beginners. 8.30am – 11am. £35 per person. Please book in advance.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Half Term Winter Wildlife Family Trail – Attenborough Nature Reserve
Monday 13th February 2012
Explore the nature reserve and learn more about its amazing wildlife through our self-led fun trail. Report to the Attenborough Nature Centre reception to receive your special trail pack. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult. £3 per trail pack.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Half Term Winter Wildlife Family Trail – Attenborough Nature Reserve
Tuesday 14th February 2012
Explore the nature reserve and learn more about its amazing wildlife through our self-led fun trail. Report to the Attenborough Nature Centre reception to receive your special trail pack. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult. £3 per trail pack.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Nest Box Day at Attenborough
Tuesday 14th February 2012
Celebrate Nest Box Week and help our wildlife by making a bird or bat box, some bird feeders and nesting bags to take home. This session is only suitable for children aged 6 and over due to the equipment being used. Please note that some activities will take place outside so come dressed for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Drop in between 10.15am and 12.15pm. Bird boxes £6 each, subject to availability.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Half Term Winter Wildlife Family Trail – Attenborough Nature Reserve
Wednesday 15th February 2012
Explore the nature reserve and learn more about its amazing wildlife through our self-led fun trail. Report to the Attenborough Nature Centre reception to receive your special trail pack. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult. £3 per trail pack.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Members-only Nest Box-making
Thursday 16th February 2012
Celebrate Nest Box Week and help our wildlife by making a bird or bat box, some bird feeders and nesting bags to take home. This session at Attenborough Nature Centre is suitable for children aged 6 and over. Please note that some activities will take place outside so come dressed for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 10.15am. Members only – booking required.
Contact: Membership Team 0115 958 8242
Half Term Winter Wildlife Family Trail – Attenborough Nature Reserve
Thursday 16th February 2012
Explore the nature reserve and learn more about its amazing wildlife through our self-led fun trail. Report to the Attenborough Nature Centre reception to receive your special trail pack. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult. £3 per trail pack.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Half Term Winter Wildlife Family Trail – Attenborough Nature Reserve
Friday 17th February 2012
Explore the nature reserve and learn more about its amazing wildlife through our self-led fun trail. Report to the Attenborough Nature Centre reception to receive your special trail pack. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult. £3 per trail pack.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Beeston Wildlife Group Walk
Saturday 25th February 2012
Join the Beeston Wildlife Group for a guided walk around the picturesque Attenborough Nature Reserve. 10am – 1pm. Meet at the Nature Reserve car park, Barton Lane.
Contact: Bill Wheatley 0115 925 0208 or Nigel Slater 0115 916 6518.
Attenborough Health Walk
Monday 27th February 2012
Get the week off to a healthy start by joining us for a brisk walk around the Reserve. Suitable for beginners. No need to book. Please come dressed for the weather and wear stout shoes or boots. No dogs please. Start at 10am from the Nature Centre.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Attenborough Health Walk
Saturday 3rd March 2012
Get active and make some new friends by joining us for a short healthy walk for up to an hour around the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve. Suitable for beginners. Please come dressed for the weather and wear stout shoes or boots. No dogs please. Meet at the Nature Centre for a 10am start.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Wild Kids – Wild About Art!
Saturday 3rd March 2012
Be inspired by the beauty of our natural world to create some works of art outside on the Nature Reserve. Suitable for children aged 4 and over. All children must be accompanied by an adult. £4 per child. 1.30pm – 3.30pm.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Attenborough Nature Walk
Sunday 4th March 2012
Find out more about the wildlife at Attenborough Nature Reserve by joining some of our wardens for a nature walk. No need to book. Please come dressed for the weather and wear stout shoes or boots. No dogs please. Meet 10.30am at the Nature Centre.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Tiny Tots - Attenborough
Wednesday 7th March 2012
Parent and toddler sessions suitable for 2 to 4 year olds. £4 per child. Please book in advance as numbers are limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10.30am – 12 noon & 1pm – 2.30pm.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
An Introduction to the World of Wildlife Photography
Saturday 10th March 2012
This exciting activity gives you a rare chance to try your hand at photographing some of the abundant wildlife here at Attenborough Nature Reserve. The session will include a briefing from an expert instructor, a supervised session in one of our hides, and a chance to use some professional camera equipment as well as some tips on getting the most from your camera. Afterwards you will be able to take your images home on a CD. Suitable for beginners. 8.00am – 10.30am. £35 per person. Please book in advance.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Attenborough Health Walk (South Broxtowe Walk & Talk)
Tuesday 13th March 2012
Join us on this guided health walk around the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve. Suitable for beginners. No need to book. Please come dressed for the weather and wear stout shoes or boots. No dogs please. 10.30am - 12 noon.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Beeston Wildlife Group Walk
Saturday 24th March 2012
Join the Beeston Wildlife Group for a guided walk around the picturesque Attenborough Nature Reserve. 10am – 1pm. Meet at the Nature Reserve car park, Barton Lane.
Contact: Bill Wheatley 0115 925 0208 or Nigel Slater 0115 916 6518.
Introduction to Bird Identification
Saturday 24th March 2012
The first in a series of four field walks around the picturesque Attenborough Nature Reserve with a number of local bird enthusiasts looking at our resident birds and spring visitors. 10am - 1pm. £20 per person (inclusive of all walks). Please book in advance.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Optics Demonstration Day with Opticron
Saturday 24th March 2012
Your chance to try out a range of equipment such as binoculars under real field conditions, with expert advice on hand. 10am – 4pm at Attenborough Nature Centre.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Attenborough Health Walk
Monday 26th March 2012
Get active and make some new friends by joining us for a short healthy walk for up to an hour around the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve. Suitable for beginners. Please come dressed for the weather and wear stout shoes or boots. No dogs please. Meet at the Nature Centre for a 10am start.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Introduction to Bird Identification
Saturday 31st March 2012
The second in a series of four field walks around the picturesque Attenborough Nature Reserve with a number of local bird enthusiasts looking at our resident birds and spring visitors. 10am - 1pm. £20 per person (inclusive of all walks). Please book in advance.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Attenborough Nature Walk
Sunday 1st April 2012
Find out more about the wildlife at Attenborough Nature Reserve by joining some of our wardens for a nature walk. No need to book. Please come dressed for the weather and wear stout shoes or boots. No dogs please. Meet 10.30am at the Nature Centre.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Easter Fun at Attenborough
Tuesday 3rd April 2012
Visit Attenborough Nature Centre for some fun activities and Easter crafts. Suitable for children aged 2 and above. Drop in between 10.15am and 12.15pm. £3 per child. Please note that some activities will take place outside so come dressed for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Easter Fun at Attenborough
Thursday 5th April 2012
Visit Attenborough Nature Centre for some fun activities and Easter crafts. Suitable for children aged 2 and above. Drop in between 10.15am and 12.15pm. £3 per child. Please note that some activities will take place outside so come dressed for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Attenborough Easter Weekend Nature Trail
Friday 6th April 2012
Have fun exploring the Nature Reserve and learn more about its amazing wildlife with our self-led family trail. Report to the Attenborough Nature Centre reception to collect your Trail Pack. 10am – 4pm. £3 per trail pack. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Wildlife Art at Attenborough
Friday 6th April 2012
Meet wildlife artist Paul Dyson and browse through a variety of signed wildlife and wilderness prints, cards and gifts. 10am - 4pm.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Attenborough Easter Weekend Nature Trail
Saturday 7th April 2012
Have fun exploring the Nature Reserve and learn more about its amazing wildlife with our self-led family trail. Report to the Attenborough Nature Centre reception to collect your Trail Pack. 10am – 4pm. £3 per trail pack. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Wildlife Art at Attenborough
Saturday 7th April 2012
Meet wildlife artist Paul Dyson and browse through a variety of signed wildlife and wilderness prints, cards and gifts. 10am - 4pm.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Attenborough Health Walk
Saturday 7th April 2012
Get active and make some new friends by joining us for a short healthy walk for up to an hour around the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve. Suitable for beginners. Please come dressed for the weather and wear stout shoes or boots. No dogs please. Meet at the Nature Centre for a 10am start.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
An Introduction to the World of Wildlife Photography
Saturday 7th April 2012
This exciting activity gives you a rare chance to try your hand at photographing some of the abundant wildlife here at Attenborough Nature Reserve. The session will include a briefing from an expert instructor, a supervised session in one of our hides, and a chance to use some professional camera equipment as well as some tips on getting the most from your camera. Afterwards you will be able to take your images home on a CD. Suitable for beginners. 8.00am – 10.30am. £35 per person. Please book in advance.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Attenborough Easter Weekend Nature Trail
Sunday 8th April 2012
Have fun exploring the Nature Reserve and learn more about its amazing wildlife with our self-led family trail. Report to the Attenborough Nature Centre reception to collect your Trail Pack. 10am – 4pm. £3 per trail pack. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Wildlife Art at Attenborough
Sunday 8th April 2012
Meet wildlife artist Paul Dyson and browse through a variety of signed wildlife and wilderness prints, cards and gifts. 10am - 4pm.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Attenborough Easter Weekend Nature Trail
Monday 9th April 2012
Have fun exploring the Nature Reserve and learn more about its amazing wildlife with our self-led family trail. Report to the Attenborough Nature Centre reception to collect your Trail Pack. 10am – 4pm. £3 per trail pack. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Wildlife Art at Attenborough
Monday 9th April 2012
Meet wildlife artist Paul Dyson and browse through a variety of signed wildlife and wilderness prints, cards and gifts. 10am - 4pm.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Spring has Sprung – at Attenborough!
Tuesday 10th April 2012
Visit Attenborough Nature Centre and join us for some fun games and activities about the wonders of spring. Suitable for children aged 2 and above. Please note that some activities will take place outside so come dressed for the weather. Drop in between 10.15am and 12.15pm. £3 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 177
Spring has Sprung – at Attenborough!
Thursday 12th April 2012
Visit Attenborough Nature Centre and join us for some fun games and activities about the wonders of spring. Suitable for children aged 2 and above. Please note that some activities will take place outside so come dressed for the weather. Drop in between 10.15am and 12.15pm. £3 per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 177
Wild Snappers
Friday 13th April 2012
Bring your digital camera along to Attenborough Nature Reserve and with the help of a keen amateur wildlife photographer capture some of its amazing sights. 10.15am – 12.15pm. This session is suitable for children aged 8 and over. Please book in advance as places are limited. £5 per child. £1 discount for more than 1 child per party.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Beeston Wildlife Group Walk
Saturday 21st April 2012
Join the Beeston Wildlife Group for a guided walk around the picturesque Attenborough Nature Reserve. 10am – 1pm. Meet at the Nature Reserve car park, Barton Lane.
Contact: Bill Wheatley 0115 925 0208 or Nigel Slater 0115 916 6518.
Introduction to Bird Identification
Saturday 21st April 2012
The third in a series of four field walks around the picturesque Attenborough Nature Reserve with a number of local bird enthusiasts looking at our resident birds and spring visitors. 8am - 11am. £20 per person (inclusive of all walks). Please book in advance.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Optics Demonstration Day with Opticron
Saturday 21st April 2012
Your chance to try out a range of equipment such as binoculars under real field conditions, with expert advice on hand. 10am – 4pm at Attenborough Nature Centre.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Attenborough Health Walk
Monday 23rd April 2012
Get active and make some new friends by joining us for a short healthy walk for up to an hour around the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve. Suitable for beginners. Please come dressed for the weather and wear stout shoes or boots. No dogs please. Meet at the Nature Centre for a 10am start.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
Members-only Attenborough Warbler Walk
Thursday 26th April 2012
Meet at 6pm, tea/coffee and biscuits provided, and then enjoy a two to three-hour walk round the Reserve, learning more about Attenborough’s early summer birds. Members only – booking required.
Contact: Membership Team 0115 958 8242
Introduction to Bird Identification
Saturday 28th April 2012
The last in a series of four field walks around the picturesque Attenborough Nature Reserve with a number of local bird enthusiasts looking at our resident birds and spring visitors. 8am - 11am. £20 per person (inclusive of all walks). Please book in advance.
Contact: Attenborough Nature Centre 0115 972 1777
News from Attenborough SSSI
Live Reed Warbler nestbox cam at Attenborough Nature Centre
Thursday 16th June 2011
Those of you who enjoyed watching Peregrine Cam will be happy to hear that a new nestbox cam has been set up, this time available to watch inside Attenborough Nature Centre.
Attenborough Calendar on sale
Friday 22nd October 2010
Twelve stunning amateur photographs of local wildlife feature in Attenborough Nature Centre’s new charity calendar – after a competition attracted more than 500 entries.
Bittern’s Got Talent
Tuesday 26th January 2010
Local wildlife haven Attenborough Nature Reserve is calling upon budding photographers and local nature lovers to enter a unique wildlife photography competition.
Cold brings rare birds to Attenborough
Tuesday 12th January 2010
Visitors to our Attenborough Nature Reserve have enjoyed a treat in recent days following the sighting of an unusually high number of rare bitterns. Whilst staff and volunteers would normally hope to see two or three birds each winter, the arrival of five birds has caused a real stir.
Click here to view a YouTube clip of one of the bitterns at Attenborough.
Fact-sheets for Attenborough SSSI
Attenborough Nature Reserve Visitor Information
Click to download a printable Visitor Information pack, including a map showing the layout of the nature reserve and walking trails.Attenborough SSSI photo gallery:
Video
reed warbler cam at Attenborough Nature Centre
Attenborough have rigged up a camera on a reed warbler nest playing live in the cafe. There are 5 eggs and we expect them to hatch any day.
grebe dance
Great Crested Grebes courting ritual from Attenborough Nature reserve,
Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Promotional Video
A short film about the work of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. The film was shown as part of the Community Channels Untold Stories series. It was produced under the Volunteer Films scheme, in which small charities are given the opportunity to work with volunteers in the TV and Video production industry.
Bittern at Attenborough Nature Reserve
Footage of the rare and elusive bittern taken by Paul Wetton at Notts Wildlife Trust’s Attenborough Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Nottingham in January 2010. This bird is one of up to seven bitterns have been spotted at Attenborough Nature Reserve in early January 2010. Reserve spokesman Tim Sexton said: “It is extremely exciting news for the reserve as they are probably the most rare bird in the UK.…
