Idle Valley
Type : WetlandIdle Valley
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 ssemblage of birds including nationally important numbers of black-necked grebe, garganey, pochard and wigeon. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is committed to securing the future of the Valley and its wildlife as a living landscape through the Idle Valley Project. The project area is recognised as being of regional significance for wildlife and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust aims to demonstrate that the enhancement of its wildlife habitats can be central to local economic and social regeneration.
In collaboration with partners including Tarmac Ltd, North Nottinghamshire College and Bassetlaw District Council as well as neighbouring landowners, local residents and community groups Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust aims to:
- Link existing habitats and create wildlife corridors to enhance areas of natural heritage
- Improve public access by linking existing rights of way and creating accessible path networks
- Deliver a programme of practical skills training that supports the rural economy and promotes life-long learning
- Engage local residents through activities including open days, health walks and conservation work parties
- Develop a programme of environmental education focussed upon curriculum linked school activities and volunteer training
- Provide local landowners with advice on sympathetic land management to improve Green Infrastructure and build a protective buffer around existing fragile habitat areas
The Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre
One of the Wildlife Trust’s key partners in the delivery of the Idle Valley Project is North Nottinghamshire College. The College has a long held interest in developing a local centre of excellence in rural education and in Spring 2008 the College took a significant step towards realising its ambition by opening The Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre. Built on land owned by the Wildlife Trust adjacent to what will be the Idle Valley Nature Reserve, the new centre will not only provide students with a unique learning environment, it will directly contribute towards the conservation and management of the project site with the Wildlife Trust co-ordinating practical habitat management tasks. In time, it will also act as a gateway to the Idle Valley for the wider community.
Visitor Satisfaction
As with all our nature reserves, we strive to ensure that our visitors have the best experience possible.
A recent questionnaire circulated around members of Lound Bird Club showed their appreciation of this valuable reserve. Click here to view the results of this survey
