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.
The acquisition of the site is supported by a grant from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund. Idle Valley is also the base for our Ecominds project.
Group Visits
We are able to offer walks, talks and an educational programme. Click on the Factsheets tab below for info about our schools and education programme. For bookings and queries, email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)Latest News
Consultation event - let us hear your views 20th June 6.30pm
How to get to Idle Valley
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Where to find us
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, North Road, Retford, DN22 8RQ (please note if you are travelling to the site using SATNAV please use the postcode DN22 8SG)
Public transport links are available under the factsheets tab.
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. Membership helps us maintain the site for the benefit of both people and wildlife.
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 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.
For the children there is a bronze rubbing trail around the site various sculptures to enjoy, designed and built by local community groups. There is an outdoor PLAY SPACE to explore, which includes a picnic area We also have DISCOVERY PACKS to hire which have monthly themes and come complete with everything you need to explore the site (including binoculars) (click factsheets for more information). The Centre includes a reception desk for information, enquiries, membership, activities and course bookings. There is also a fully equipped viewing area with scopes and binoculars.
On Sundays (11.30am - 3.30pm) the Lakeside Café is open for a selection of hot drinks and snack food (during other Centre opening hours, hot drinks are available from our vending machine). Our menu is in the factsheets section. On Sundays only we also have a LITTLE WILDLIFE SHOP that stocks a range of bird feeders, bird seed, ID guides, books and many other wildlife related goods.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is committed to trading with local suppliers and selecting organic and healthy produce whenever possible. Most of our hot beverages use FAIRTRADE ingredients and organic milk. This means you can enjoy your refreshments in the knowledge that your purchases are supporting local business, sustainable production methods and a healthier lifestyle. Your support helps our local community in many different ways and also helps us to protect wildlife for the future.
Access is free of charge, but donations for parking are appreciated. Annual parking passes are also available. Toilet facilities are available during Centre opening hours.
Opening times
The Idle Valley Nature Reserve is open throughout the year for walking. During the summer months the Reserve is open for walking from 9am till 8pm.
The centre opening 10 - 4pm. For visitors using the site beyond 4pm please ensure you park in the small car park.
Refreshments available
Lakeside Café open SUNDAYS only for hot snacks and drinks 11.30 till 3.30.
Vending and picnic areas open 10 till 4 every day
Advance bookings taken for groups – call 01777 713945
Shop and Woodland Products
The Little Wildlife Shop is open SUNDAYS only 11.30 till 3.30.
For bulk bird seed purchases in advance – call 01777 713945
All opening hours are subject to change.
Events at Idle Valley
Idle Valley Consultation
Thursday 20th June 2013
Come along and let us have your views about our activities on this important reserve. There will be a short presentation followed by the opportunity for discussion. 6.30pm - 9.00pm. Booking essential.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945.
Let’s Read!
Wednesday 26th June 2013
Outdoor story time at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve, listening to ‘Mad About Minibeasts’ by Andreae Wojtowycz and afterwards going on a minibeast hunt. Suitable for pre-school children. Attend seven of these events during the year and claim a free storybook. 10.30am – 12 noon. Donation requested. Booking required.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Learn a Skill at Idle Valley – Flower Identification
Saturday 6th July 2013
Come along to the Idle Valley Nature Reserve for our monthly skills session and discover the flowers of the Idle Valley and how to identify them. 11.00am – 12.30pm. £4 per session; attend five sessions and get one free. Booking essential.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Photo Safari
Sunday 7th July 2013
Come along to our monthly photography course at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve which will teach the skills needed when photographing the natural world. This month we will go outside with our cameras to see what close-up shots we can get. 1.00pm – 3.00pm. £4 per session, £3 if you book four or more sessions. Booking and pre-payment required. Everyone attending a session will be entered into a prize draw at the end of the year.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Family Fun – Wild Flowers
Sunday 14th July 2013
Take a walk through the Idle Valley Nature Reserve and try to spot some of the wild flowers that help make the reserve such an important place.10.30am – 12 noon. £3 per child. Suitable for children aged 6 – 12. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Half price Family Membership available.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Idle Valley Bird Walk
Sunday 21st July 2013
Join an expert birder for a walk around the Idle Valley Nature Reserve to see what birds you can spot. 10.30am – 11.30am. Please bring your binoculars.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Let’s Read!
Wednesday 24th July 2013
Outdoor story time at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve, listening to ‘Quiet in the Garden’ by Aliki and then looking for flowers on the nature reserve. Suitable for pre-school children. Attend seven of these events during the year and claim a free storybook. 10.30am – 12 noon. Donation requested. Booking required.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Discover Wildlife - Badgers
Thursday 25th July 2013
Join us for an evening talk by Derek Warren at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve and find out more about badgers. 6.30pm – 7.30pm. Booking required. £2 including a drink. Save £10 on Family Membership on the night.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Woodland Holiday Club
Thursday 25th July 2013
Like being outdoors, making dens and exploring? Join in with our woodland holiday club at Idle Valley Nature Reserve. 11.00am – 3.00pm. Bring a drink and a packed lunch. £8 per child. Booking essential.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Woodland Holiday Club
Thursday 1st August 2013
Like being outdoors, making dens and exploring? Join in with our woodland holiday club at the Idle Valley Reserve. 11.00am – 3.00pm. Bring a drink and a packed lunch. £8 per child. Booking essential.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Learn a Skill at Idle Valley – Small Mammal Trapping
Saturday 3rd August 2013
Come along to the Idle Valley Nature Reserve for our monthly skills session and learn what is it and which mammals might you catch. 11.00am – 12.30pm. £4 per session; attend five sessions and get one free. Booking essential.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Photo Race
Sunday 4th August 2013
Come along to our monthly photography course at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve which will teach the skills needed when photographing the natural world. This month come and join the photo race! 1.00pm – 3.00pm. £4 per session, £3 if you book four or more sessions. Booking and pre-payment required. Everyone attending a session will be entered into a prize draw at the end of the year.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Trail Tuesday
Tuesday 6th August 2013
Come down to the Idle Valley, collect your trail pack, and off you go. There will be clues to follow and activities to complete along the way. £2 per child.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre: 01777 713 945
Woodland Holiday Club
Thursday 8th August 2013
Like being outdoors, making dens and exploring? Join in with our woodland holiday club at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve. 11.00am – 3.00pm. Bring a drink and a packed lunch. £8 per child. Booking essential.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Family Fun – Ponds
Sunday 11th August 2013
Join us for some dipping in the ponds at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve to see what lurks in the depths. 10.30am – 12 noon. £3 per child. Suitable for children aged 6 – 12. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Half price Family Membership available.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Trail Tuesday
Tuesday 13th August 2013
Come down to the Idle Valley, collect your trail pack, and off you go. There will be clues to follow and activities to complete along the way. £2 per child.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre: 01777 713 945
Woodland Holiday Club
Thursday 15th August 2013
Like being outdoors, making dens and exploring? Join in with our woodland holiday club at Idle Valley. 11.00am – 3.00pm. Bring a drink and a packed lunch. £8 per child. Booking essential.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Idle Valley Bird Walk
Sunday 18th August 2013
Join an expert birder for a walk around the Idle Valley Nature Reserve to see what birds you can spot. 10.30am – 11.30am. Please bring your binoculars.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Trail Tuesday
Tuesday 20th August 2013
Come down to the Idle Valley, collect your trail pack, and off you go. There will be clues to follow and activities to complete along the way. £2 per child.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre: 01777 713 945
Woodland Holiday Club
Thursday 22nd August 2013
Like being outdoors, making dens and exploring? Join in with our woodland holiday club at Idle Valley. 11.00am – 3.00pm. Bring a drink and a packed lunch. £8 per child. Booking essential.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Trail Tuesday
Tuesday 27th August 2013
Come down to the Idle Valley, collect your trail pack, and off you go. There will be clues to follow and activities to complete along the way. £2 per child.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre: 01777 713 945
Let’s Read!
Wednesday 28th August 2013
Outdoor story time at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve, listening to ‘The Trouble with Tadpoles’ by Sam Goldwin and going pond dipping to see what we can catch. Suitable for pre-school children. Attend seven of these events during the year and claim a free storybook. 10.30am – 12 noon. Donation requested. Booking required.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
Woodland Holiday Club
Thursday 29th August 2013
Like being outdoors, making dens and exploring? Join in with our woodland holiday club at Idle Valley. 11.00am – 3.00pm. Bring a drink and a packed lunch. £8 per child. Booking essential.
Contact: Rural Learning Centre 01777 713 945
News from Idle Valley
County’s first Wetland Challenge Passport is awarded
Tuesday 11th June 2013
The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust team at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve, North Road, Retford, are delighted to announce that Oliver Shearman from Ordsall is the first young person to gain the Wetlands Challenge Passport in the whole of the county.
Half term at Idle Valley
Thursday 23rd May 2013
Make sure a trip to Idle Valley is on your list this half term
An Evening of Folk, Blues & Beyond
Monday 14th January 2013
Join us for a great evening of music, on Friday 15th March at Headon-cum-Upton, near Retford - a chance to enjoy blues, folk and more - whilst helping us raise vital funds for our Lost Woodland Appeal.
Winning photos capture Nature Reserve
Friday 14th December 2012
The winners of a photography contest which encouraged local people to capture a north Nottinghamshire nature reserve on camera, have been revealed.
Real Reindeer at Xmas Event this Weekend!
Friday 7th December 2012
Join in the festive fun this weekend…
Notes from the Idle Apiary
Friday 9th November 2012
Find out how the Idle Valley bees are doing as winter approaches.
vfifty award collected
Tuesday 2nd October 2012
First young volunteer accredited with ‘vfifty’ award
Wildlife Charity hosts Firewood Festival
Friday 28th September 2012
We’re seeking to re-light people’s interest in heating homes with wood.
We’re on BBC Countryfile!
Tuesday 18th September 2012
Watch on BBC iplayer until Sunday 23rd Sept - find out how Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust filled giant holes in the ground and transformed them into a tranquil haven for wildlife!
Quality Reserve
Friday 14th September 2012
We’re delighted that our Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre has received the ‘Quality Badge’!
New meadow at Idle Valley is blooming
Monday 6th August 2012
New meadow at Idle Valley starting to bloom…
It’s taken over 2 years, but the experiment has worked. Seeds were taken from our Ashton Meadow reserve are flowering at Idle Valley.
Learning from worms
Monday 6th August 2012
Learning from worms…
As part of the Trust’s schools program, the education team at Idle Valley have issued 30 wormery kits to schools in Bassetlaw so that children and teachers alike can learn more about these amazing creatures.
Idle Photo competition
Thursday 28th June 2012
Idle Valley Nature Reserve launches photo competition
Idle Valley Reception open for visitors
Wednesday 27th June 2012
Our Idle Valley Nature Reserve, near Retford has a snazzy new reception area!
Poppy Love
Tuesday 12th June 2012
Poppy love - find out more about some of the flowers you can see at the Idle Valley just now…
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
Idle Valley Visitor Map Flier
Click to download the Idle Valley Nature Reserve visitor map leaflet.
DOGS MAP
We welcome dogs at Idle Valley please consult this map to see where we allow dogs off leads and under control.
Cafe menu
Click on the download for details of our Sunday cafe menu. We are open 11.30 - 3.30pm on Sundays
Public transport links
How to access the Idle Valley using public transport
Discovery Rucksacks
Find out more about with our discovery rucksacks - available to hire from the centre
Discovery boxes
There are 2 boxes available for groups to use - a minibeast box and an environmental games box. You can use them on site or take them to your own venue. £10 to hire plus a £10 refundable deposit. Pre booking required on 01777 713 945
Wild Birthday Parties
Fun filled birthday parties for children aged 4 - 11 years old.
SCHOOLS Education opportunities in North Nottinghamshire
Passionate about outdoor learning - we aim to provide high quality programmes for all that are local affordable and hands on.
SCHOOLS Adopt a Reserve programme
Get involved with your local patch through our adopt a reserve programmeIdle Valley photo gallery:
Video
Starlings Flocking Neatholme Lane Idle Valley 15/11/12
Starling murmuration at Idle Valley Nature Reserve
A Murmuration is a gathering of large flocks of Starlings. They start to get together at Dusk during Autum in their roosting sites and fly together creating amazing swirling patterns. The reason they get together is because there is safety in numbers, particularily from birds of prey such as Falcons. A large group means its also easier to keep warm during Winter and…
Idle Valley Nature Reserve Wildlife Video
A special trip camera set up at Idle Valley Nature Reserve to record what species visited one spot of the reserve over 1 week…look how many different creatures shared that spot!
European Badger (Meles meles)
Common Pheasant female (Phasianus colchicus)
Reed Bunting ( Emberiza schoeniclus)
European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Red Legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa)
Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Visit http://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/ for more information on…
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…
