Idle Valley
This spectacular wetland site covers an area of 450 hectares following the River Idle northwards. The size of 600 football pitches, it is one of the largest sites for nature conservation in the East Midlands.
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The acquisition of the site is supported by a grant from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
This grant supports management of the site for wildlife, developing and delivering an events programme, supporting volunteers and establishing the nature reserve as a facility for local communities.
We also run our Ecominds project from Idle Valley. This people with long-term mental health issues a chance to meet people and gain confidence in a beautiful and inspiring natural setting.
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How to get to Idle Valley
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You can access Idle Valley by car, via the Tarmac site entrance on North Road (A638) to the north of Retford - approximately 2.5km from the centre of Retford.
If your are using a SatNav or Routefinder, use DN22 8SG and follow the signs.
Parking is available at the Rural Learning Centre (SK686832) at the following times:
Monday – Friday: 9am -5pm All year
Saturday and Sunday: 9am - 5pm (October to April), 8am-8pm (May – August)
Alternative parking is available in the lay-by on the road by the Bluebell Inn in Lound, or in Chainbridge Lane.
Idle Valley
Idle Valley Nature Reserve is part of the Idle Valley Project area, managed by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust - a beautiful 450 hectare network of lakes, wetland, grassland and scrub. The reserve includes the 300 hectare nationally designated Sutton and Lound Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – one of the largest in the county.
This extensive nature reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife and is recognised as one of the richest birding sites in the region. Look out for birds such as gadwall and little grebe in winter, and breeding wading birds including little ringed plover and redshank in spring and summer.
The Wildlife Trust looks after Idle Valley, maintaining existing habitats and developing 
new ones. We focus on providing the visiting public and school groups with as many opportunities as possible, for studying, viewing and enjoying wildlife. The Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre is a high quality educational facility based at the south end of the site and is a venue for a range of training course and events.
Facilities
Visitors to Idle Valley are invited to enjoy the many footpaths and bridleways, of which 2500m are wheelchair-accessible, together with five viewing screens and a viewing platform. There are four designated walks of varying lengths (click ‘Factsheets’ to download reserve map), so whether you would like a quick stroll or a longer hike, there’s something to suit everyone. There is a bronze rubbing trail around the site for children and various sculptures to enjoy, designed and built by local community groups.
The Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre is open 7 days a week (see Opening Hours), including a Reception desk for information, enquiries, membership, activities and course bookings. There is also a brand new fully equipped viewing area with scopes and binoculars.
At weekends (11.30am - 2pm) the Idle Valley Café is open for hot drinks and food (during other Centre opening hours, hot drinks are available from our vending machine).
Access is free of charge; toilet facilities are available during Centre opening hours.
Opening times
The Idle Valley Nature Reserve is open throughout the year.
Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre usual opening times:
Reception and toilet facilities: 10am – 4pm all year (excluding some holiday periods)
Refreshments available:
Monday – Sunday 10am - 4pm hot and cold drinks (vending machine)
Saturday – Sunday 11.30am - 2pm hot food and drinks (Idle Valley Café)
Events at Idle Valley
Willow Weaving
Saturday 11th February 2012
Bring the whole family and learn how to baskets out of willow. 10.30am – 12 noon. Suitable for children age 5 and over. No charge, but booking essential.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Idle Valley Health Walk
Saturday 11th February 2012
A brisk hour-long walk around the beautiful Idle Valley Reserve. A great way to keep fit in the fresh air. Meet at 10.30am at the Learning Centre. No dogs please. Participation is free and there is no need to book. Refreshments available.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Idle Valley Health Walk
Tuesday 14th February 2012
A brisk hour-long walk around the beautiful Idle Valley Reserve. A great way to keep fit in the fresh air. Meet at 11am at the Learning Centre. No dogs please. Participation is free and there is no need to book. Refreshments available.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Sensory Trail
Saturday 18th February 2012
An opportunity for children to discover what they can see, hear and feel on a walk around the Idle Valley Nature Reserve. 11am - 12 noon. £3 per child; children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential.
Contact; Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Birdwatching Walk
Sunday 19th February 2012
Join Lound Bird Club for a walk around Idle Valley Nature Reserve to see which birds you can spot. 10.30am to 11.30am. Meet at the Rural Learning Centre. No charge.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Willow Weaving Course
Tuesday 21st February 2012
Renowned willow artist and sculptor Carole Beavis is running a three day course at the Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre for the Ecominds group. We will be creating a willow arbour/seating area for our garden, and Carole will be helping us make it beautiful and sculptural as well as practical. People attending the course will learn skills that they can use in their own garden or at work (ideal for teachers and people working with children). You will be able to take home as much willow as you can carry (within reason!). 10.00am – 3.30pm. £60 per day, booking essential. Individuals can attend for a single day or for the whole course. Other dates: 28th February and 6th March. Lunch is not included, but refreshments will be available.
Contact: Beccy Lees 01777 713 947 (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Willow Weaving Course
Tuesday 28th February 2012
Renowned willow artist and sculptor Carole Beavis is running a three day course at the Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre for the Ecominds group. We will be creating a willow arbour/seating area for our garden, and Carole will be helping us make it beautiful and sculptural as well as practical. People attending the course will learn skills that they can use in their own garden or at work (ideal for teachers and people working with children). You will be able to take home as much willow as you can carry (within reason!). 10.00am – 3.30pm. £60 per day, booking essential. Remaining date: 6th March. Lunch is not included, but refreshments will be available.
Contact: Beccy Lees 01777 713 947 (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Tiny Tots – Idle Valley
Wednesday 29th February 2012
Parent and toddler sessions exploring the outdoors at Idle Valley Nature Reserve. Suitable for 2 to 4 year olds. 10am – 11.30am. Suggested donation £4 per child. Please book in advance as numbers are limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Willow Weaving Course
Tuesday 6th March 2012
Renowned willow artist and sculptor Carole Beavis is running a three day course at the Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre for the Ecominds group. We will be creating a willow arbour/seating area for our garden, and Carole will be helping us make it beautiful and sculptural as well as practical. People attending the course will learn skills that they can use in their own garden or at work (ideal for teachers and people working with children). You will be able to take home as much willow as you can carry (within reason!). 10.00am – 3.30pm. £60 per person, booking essential. Lunch is not included, but refreshments will be available.
Contact: Beccy Lees 01777 713 947 (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Idle Valley Health Walk
Saturday 10th March 2012
A brisk hour-long walk around the beautiful Idle Valley Reserve. A great way to keep fit in the fresh air. Meet at 10.30am at the Learning Centre. No dogs please. Participation is free and there is no need to book. Refreshments available.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Idle Valley Health Walk
Tuesday 13th March 2012
A brisk hour-long walk around the beautiful Idle Valley Reserve. A great way to keep fit in the fresh air. Meet at 11am at the Learning Centre. No dogs please. Participation is free and there is no need to book. Refreshments available.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Birdwatching Walk
Sunday 18th March 2012
Join Lound Bird Club for a walk around Idle Valley Nature Reserve to see which birds you can spot. 10.30am to 11.30am. Meet at the Rural Learning Centre. No charge.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Tiny Tots – Idle Valley
Wednesday 28th March 2012
Parent and toddler sessions exploring the outdoors at Idle Valley Nature Reserve. Suitable for 2 to 4 year olds. 10am – 11.30am. Suggestion donation £4 per child. Please book in advance as numbers are limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Easter Crafts
Tuesday 3rd April 2012
Take inspiration from nature at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve and make some Easter cards and gifts. 1pm – 2.30 pm. Suggested donation £3 per child. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 940
Easter Trail at Idle Valley
Thursday 5th April 2012
Can you find the hidden eggs? This self-led trail is a chance for the whole family to enjoy exploring the reserve at your own pace whilst hunting for the hidden Easter clues. From 10.30am. Suggested donation £3 per person.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Easter Trail at Idle Valley
Friday 13th April 2012
Can you find the hidden eggs? This self-led trail is a chance for the whole family to enjoy exploring the Reserve at your own pace whilst hunting for the hidden Easter clues. From 10.30am. Suggested donation £3 per person.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Birdwatching Walk
Sunday 15th April 2012
Join Lound Bird Club for a walk around Idle Valley Nature Reserve to see which birds you can spot. 10.30am to 11.30am. Meet at the Rural Learning Centre. No charge.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Tiny Tots – Idle Valley
Wednesday 25th April 2012
Parent and toddler sessions exploring the outdoors at Idle Valley Nature Reserve. Suitable for 2 to 4 year olds. 10am – 11.30am. Suggested donation £4 per child. Please book in advance as numbers are limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
News from Idle Valley
Firewood Festival this Sunday
Friday 11th November 2011
We want to re-ignite people passion for real fires
Ecominds project scoops award
Wednesday 2nd November 2011
We are proud to announce that our Idle Valley Ecominds project has won a special award.
Rescue swan gets new home at Idle Valley Nature Reserve
Monday 24th October 2011
A majestic mute swan was released at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve after holding up traffic during rush hour near Bothamsall, north Nottinghamshire. Early morning drivers cared enough to slow down, stop and call the police when the swan just couldn’t quite get enough lift to ‘take off’.
Increased demand for health walks at Idle Valley
Tuesday 4th October 2011
The nation is slowly but surely taking to its feet and enjoying the great outdoors as a way of improving their health and well-being and the Idle Valley Nature Reserve is the perfect venue for health walks and for training the leaders who lead those walks.
‘Mega’ day at Idle Valley
Friday 30th September 2011
There was an afternoon of excitement at Idle Valley Nature Reserve near Retford yesterday, following reports of a possible ‘mega’ species of bird being sighted on the Wildlife Trust site.
Idle Valley Summer Fayre
Tuesday 7th June 2011
Idle Valley Nature Reserve on North Road, Retford, is holding its Annual Summer Fayre on Saturday 18th June with a slight twist.
Idle Valley Wildlife Extravaganza
Friday 20th May 2011
Wildlife Extravaganza at Idle Valley Nature Reserve – causing a spiky sensation on Saturday 28th May!
Wildlife Roadshow a great success
Tuesday 10th May 2011
Our Idle Valley Nature Reserve held its much-anticipated Wildlife Roadshow event this Saturday (7th May) - marking the opening of new facilities at the Rural Learning Centre - another major milestone in the development of Retford’s biggest hidden jewel and the county’s largest nature reserve.
Get involved in Ecominds
Wednesday 13th April 2011
Members of the public are invited to help shape a new project which aims to combat mental health problems through outdoor activities, at a meeting on 9th May.
Successful launch of Idle Valley Ecominds
Friday 18th February 2011
On 8th February we launched the Ecominds project at our Idle Valley Nature Reserve. Funded through Mind in association with the Big Lottery, this project aims to improve mental wellbeing through outdoor activity that benefits the environment and the local community.
New Ecominds project at Idle Valley
Monday 7th February 2011
Idle Valley Ecominds Project begins: improving mental health though conservation, horticulture and wildlife gardening.
FREE Idle Valley Calendar
Friday 17th December 2010
The 2011 Idle Valley Nature Reserve Calendar is here!
Christmas Lectures draw supporters despite the snow!
Wednesday 15th December 2010
The Idle Valley Christmas Lectures were well supported on 9th December despite the atrocious weather.
Idle Valley in Pictures
Tuesday 15th December 2009
BBC Nottinghamshire recently visited our newest flagship nature reserve - finding out how Idle Valley, near Retford, is reaping the benefits of receiving £1m of lottery money.
Idle Valley Project
Tuesday 7th April 2009
After half a century of aggregates extraction the central Idle Valley has developed into a unique wetland landscape. It is home to an exceptionally rich assemblage of birds including nationally important numbers of black-necked grebe, garganey, pochard and wigeon.
First Step to Action in Idle Valley
Tuesday 7th October 2008
Plans to transform the Idle Valley into a beacon nature reserve are to become a reality following thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund.
Fact-sheets for Idle Valley
Flyer
Click to download the Idle Valley Nature Reserve visitor information leaflet.
Idle Valley What's On Guide
Click to download the Idle Valley Events Guide Mar-April 2012Idle Valley photo gallery:
Video
Idle Valley Wins Prestigious Award
Tarmac have awarded Bellmoor & Lound Gravel Pits the 2011 Cooper Heyman Award. This restored quarry now forms part of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s Idle Valley Nature Reserve. The award recognises the hard work that has been done to restore this area for the benefit of wildlife. Idle Valley is now a thriving Nature Reserve - one of the best places for birding in the county, and a great place to…
