Autumn is a treasured time of year for many. As the nights draw in and the weather cools, we can look forward to cosy evenings spent keeping warm, twinkling lights in gradually darker skies, and the pending excitement of the festive season.  

Nature, too, embraces change in autumn. Leaves transform from vibrant shades of green to dark yellows, soft browns and rich reds and purples, before they fall away completely, bracing us for the harshness of the coming months. Still, the weather during this season continues to encourage time spent outdoors, as bright, sunny days are plentiful. 

Our nature reserves are a true spectacle at this time of year; the flora and fauna begin to prepare for winter, and these spaces are both bright with colour and busy with activity. We’ve chosen some of our most stunning reserves to visit this autumn if you want to get lost amongst the leaves and soak up some of nature’s most magical months.

Dukes Wood 

This nature reserve offers both a breathtaking autumnal walk and a slice of history; Dukes Wood and the surrounding area were the site of the UK's first onshore oilfield. Explore the Dukes Wood Trail, an industrial archaeological nature trail opened in 1987. 

Ploughman Wood 

Towering trees of ash and oak at Ploughman Wood paint the storybook picture of autumn that we all envisage. As you look up amongst the fiery-coloured leaves, you may catch sight, although you are far more likely to hear, the great spotted woodpecker searching for edible insects and seeds amongst the trees. Many species of bat are also present at the site, should you fancy a spookier woodland walk once the sun has set. 

There is plenty to see nearer the ground too, as substantial deadwood is alive with flora and fauna; over 280 species of invertebrates have so far been recorded at this site, as well as hole-nesting birds. 

Foxcovert Plantation 

With fungi in mind, it’s important to note that we don’t encourage foraging at any of our sites; we ask that you look and enjoy the beautiful nature surrounding you without taking any with you. Not only that, but foraging for mushrooms without robust and certain identification can have dire consequences, so we ask that you don’t sample anything you do find. 

Skylarks Nature Reserve

Located in South Nottinghamshire, Skylarks is an accessible nature reserve and a haven for a whole host of wildlife: plants, invertebrates, birds and mammals all flourish amongst the diverse habitat of lakes, reedbeds, grassland and woodland.

Besthorpe Nature Reserve 

Besthorpe is another accessible nature reserve and one of the largest and most important heronries in Nottinghamshire. It is also the perfect location to spot migrating wetland birds such as black-tailed godwits and teal and pochard ducks. Following the path around the lake takes you past various bird hides and viewing points, and you may also spot our Hebridean grazing sheep whilst on your travels! 

Enjoy your visit! 

We hope that this article has provided you with some fresh inspiration for autumn adventuring, and we always encourage you to take time to explore some of our smaller or less well-known reserves, particularly our woodland sites that are picture-perfect during this season. 

Our work caring for nature reserves throughout Nottinghamshire, restoring habitat and protecting precious species, is made possible with the help of our supporters. If you’d like to stand up for nature throughout Nottinghamshire and support us to do even more, you can become a member of the Trust today for as little as £3.50 per month or upgrade your current membership with us. Thank you for helping us protect our county and ensure a wilder future for Nottinghamshire.

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