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 gives 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
Bird Walk
Sunday 20th May 2012
Join Lound Bird Club for a walk around the Idle Valley Nature Reserve to see what birds you can spot. 10am – 12.30pm. Please bring your binoculars. Booking essential.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Wildlife Gardening Festival
Saturday 26th May 2012
A session at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve for everyone with an interest in improving your garden for wildlife. There will be workshops for adults and children, the opportunity to do some planting, plant sales, a great garden shed tool exchange, and a quiz. 10.30am – 3pm. Free entrance with a £5 donation for some activities.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Tiny Tots – Idle Valley
Wednesday 30th May 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
Photography Workshop
Thursday 7th June 2012
Learn how to photograph small mammals at this workshop to be held at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve. 1pm – 3pm. Suggested donation £3 per person.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Idle Valley Health Walk
Saturday 9th June 2012
A brisk walk around the beautiful Idle Valley Reserve – a great way to keep fit in the fresh air. 10.30am – 11.30am, meet at the Rural Learning Centre. Dogs welcome on short leads.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Idle Valley Health Walk
Tuesday 12th June 2012
A brisk walk around the beautiful Idle Valley Reserve – a great way to keep fit in the fresh air. 11.00am – 12 noon, meet at the Rural Learning Centre. Dogs welcome on short leads.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Idle Valley Summer Fayre
Saturday 23rd June 2012
Come along to our annual Fayre at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve where there will be a range of stalls and activities for all the family to enjoy. 10.30am – 3pm. £2 per person.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Wild Flowers
Sunday 24th June 2012
Improve your wild flower identification skills as we head out onto the Idle Valley Nature Reserve to see what we can find and identify with Reserve Officer James Simpson. Booking essential. 10am – 4pm. £10 suggested donation.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Tiny Tots – Idle Valley
Wednesday 27th June 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
Bug Day
Saturday 14th July 2012
Find out more about bugs and other creepy-crawlies living at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve and make an insect home. This workshop session for adults and children will involve using bug pots and sweep nets, and experts will be on hand to identify what you catch. 2pm - 4pm. Please book in advance as numbers are limited. Suggested donation £3 per person.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Bird Ringing
Sunday 22nd July 2012
Join us at our Idle Valley Reserve for an introduction to bird ringing followed by the opportunity to get involved in the national bird ringing scheme. 8am – 4pm. Booking is essential and priority will be given to Nottinghamshire residents; £25 suggested donation. Those living outside Nottinghamshire will be eligible to book after Monday 2 July (£35 suggested donation).
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Tiny Tots – Idle Valley
Wednesday 25th July 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
Wet and Wild!
Thursday 9th August 2012
Join us on the wet and wild side at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve as we go pond dipping and make a dragonfly. Try our wet and wild orienteering trail! 11am – 12.30pm. Suggested donation £3 per person.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Treasure Hunt
Tuesday 14th August 2012
Join the fun at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve and hunt for the hidden treasure by following the clues. Two trails of different lengths are available. Drop in at any time during the day. Suggested donation £3 per person.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Wetland Photo Workshop – Idle Valley
Wednesday 22nd August 2012
Join us for a photography workshop looking at how to make the most of your camera in a wetland environment and get the best watery snaps. 10am – 12 noon. Suggested donation £3 per person. Please book in advance as places are limited.
Contact : Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Idle Valley - Walk the Reserve
Sunday 26th August 2012
Join us for our annual walk, taking in the whole of the Idle Valley Nature Reserve, stopping for lunch along the way. We will meet at the Rural Learning Centre at 10am returning by approx. 3pm. £3 suggested donation. Please come dressed for the weather and wear stout shoes or boots. Bring a packed lunch. Dogs on leads allowed.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Tiny Tots – Idle Valley
Wednesday 29th August 2012
Parent and toddler sessions suitable for 2 to 4 year olds, exploring the outdoors at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve. 10am – 11.30am. Suggested donation £4 per child. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
News from Idle Valley
Adopt an Idle Cow
Tuesday 24th April 2012
We have a new edition to our webshop! Adopt one of our cows at Idle Valley and support our Cow Appeal.
Picture Perfect at Idle Valley!
Tuesday 24th April 2012
Look at the stunning views of Idle Valley Nature Reserve at its best!
Volunteer Tales: Ecominds
Tuesday 10th April 2012
We always like to tell you about the great variety of volunteering roles we have at the Wildlife Trust. A good way to do that is to put some of our volunteers under the spotlight, and find out about what they do to help us. Steve is one of the volunteers at our Ecominds project at Idle Valley Nature Reserve…
Idle Valley Training Courses Success!
Tuesday 10th April 2012
This year the Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre launched a range of conservation training courses and they have proved to be very popular!
Birthdays go Green
Thursday 9th February 2012
Do you want a green birthday party for your 6-10 year old child? Then why not book a wildlife themed party at Idle Valley! We can provide superb all-weather facilities, with fun activities led by experienced Wildlife Trust employees.
The Big Idle Birdwatch
Thursday 9th February 2012
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Volunteers based at Idle Valley Nature Reserve gave up their time to carry out additional ‘birdwatches’ for other people as part of the RSPB ‘Big Garden Birdwatch’ weekend last Saturday and Sunday.
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…
