Attenborough Nature Centre and Reserve

February 2026

Strand Bridge  

Following significant work to resurface Barton Lane Bridge in November, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has committed to significant renovation of the Strand Bridge (Main Path - adjacent to Corbett’s Meadow - formerly known as Fisherman’s Bridge)

This work is the latest stage of our ongoing commitment to reviewing, renovating and replacing access infrastructure across the site. 

The work, which will entail replacement of life-expired surface decking, some new metalwork, and some repainting, will take place within a two-week window from 16^th March and should be completed prior to Easter, weather permitting. As with the recent work on Barton Lane Bridge, every effort will be made to limit the impact on access – with closures kept to a minimum. Regular updates will be posted on this page via onsite signage. 

Works Bridge   

Since outlining delays due to the complexity of agreeing a suitable Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) scheme (a legal requirement as part of the planning process) back in November, we have had a productive meeting with Broxtowe Borough Council and Natural England to agree a way forward.  

We are now finalising details of a BNG Scheme designed to meet our obligations whilst securing the best outcome for wildlife and delivering value for donors, members and supporters.  Our proposed scheme will be submitted along with supporting information including a detailed Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan and details of how we plan to limit the impact of the removal of the existing bridge and installation of the replacement structure on wildlife, our neighbours and visitors.  

We recognise that the time taken to deliver this complex project has caused frustration but remain committed to delivering the project and reinstating Bridleway Access as soon as we can.  

However, in the spirit of transparency, we wish to highlight that due to the time needed for the determination by the Local Planning Authority and importance of protecting the birds on the reserve from disturbance during the breeding season, it is unlikely the bridge replacement works will commence until September at the earliest. Whilst we will take every possible measure to mitigate the impact of transportation and installation on the site, its wildlife, visitors and our neighbours, it would be inappropriate to complete work on this scale on a Site of Special Scientific Interest at the height of the bird breeding season.   

As we hope we have shown with the restoration of Barton Lane Bridge and commitment to renovating the Strand Bridge, where matters are within our control, we will continue to deliver access improvements. As confirmed in November, the replacement for Works Bridge is now built and ready for installation once planning permission is secured. 

Thank you for your support.

Avian Flu Update - November 2025

With the increased incidence of Avian Flu and cases seemingly occurring earlier in the year, we now have plans in place year-round in case of outbreaks on our sites, in line with best practice on many other wetland nature reserves in the UK.

With a local case now confirmed in Nottinghamshire, we would reiterate our previous advice to visitors that whilst the risk of transmission from birds to people is very low, visitors should not touch any dead birds and should keep dogs away from dead or seemingly affected birds by ensuring that their pets are on a short lead. We would also urge people not to feed wild birds at our sites as this encourages birds to congregate – putting birds at extra risk and increasing the chance of direct contact with affected birds.  

Dead birds can be reported online at gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds or by calling the DEFRA helpline 03459 33 55 77. 

Avian Flu Update October 2025

Cases have recently been recorded in Cheshire, which is on a shared migratory route for many birds overwintering on our nature reserves. 

Whilst there are currently no confirmed cases in Nottinghamshire, we ask visitors to keep an eye out for unusual numbers of dead wildfowl and report it to the APHA if there are 5 or more dead birds of any species.

You can report to the APHA either by:

• calling 03459 33 55 77
• Or through the Government online reporting form 

Report online

We also wish to remind visitors to keep dogs on leads on the Trust nature reserves and not to feed wild birds on the nature reserves to discourage them from congregating.

Avian Flu Update for visitors and supporters 31st March 2023

The UK continues to be affected by the largest ever avian flu pandemic, with cases in both farmed and wild birds being recorded across the country.

Whilst we are no longer dealing with a major outbreak, there have been a small number of bird deaths (not sufficient to trigger official testing) recently which we must assume are linked to the epidemic. Our team are working hard to limit the likelihood of further spread and you can help by continuing to not feed the birds. To limit disturbance to wildlife which is already under stress, and to keep pets safe from contact with wild birds, we are also asking that people keep dogs on short leads whilst visiting the reserve.

Avian Flu update for visitors and supporters August 16th 2022

Test results have confirmed that the significant number of recent bird deaths at Attenborough Nature Reserve are the result of an outbreak of Avian Flu.

Managing the outbreak has been extremely stressful for the staff dealing with dead and distressed birds on a daily basis and has also placed additional strain on staff and volunteers dealing with understandably concerned visitors and supporters.

Whilst not over, the impact of the outbreak thankfully seems to be slowing. However, the team remain vigilant and ready to deal with cases. There are a number of common sense steps, such as not feeding the birds and keeping dogs on leads, which visitors can take to help us keep our wildlife and the public safe whilst enjoying this much loved site.

As avian flu has been confirmed on site, visitors are no longer required to report cases of dead birds. However, as we are in the midst of an unprecedented series of outbreaks across the UK, people should continue to use the DEFRA helpline (03459 33 55 77) to report possible cases elsewhere.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust would like to thank visitors and supporters for their continued support at this stressful time. We would also like to thank our Local MP Darren Henry and his office for their assistance in speeding up the response from DEFRA at a key stage during the incident. More information can be read on our Avian Flu page.

Avian Flu

Avian Flu Update for visitors and supporters August 1^st 2022

Since the turn of the year the UK has been dealing with an unprecedented number of Avian Flu cases - with restrictions affecting domestic birds and worrying reports of impacts on wild birds.

In recent months there have been several confirmed cases in domestic and commercial poultry locally and a number of parks and nature reserves across Nottinghamshire and neighbouring counties have sadly experienced outbreaks.

Suspected outbreak at Attenborough Nature Reserve–July 2022

Over the past 10 days we have been dealing with a suspected outbreak of Avian Flu. Our team has dealt with over 150 dead birds so far, though numbers seem to be slowing.

Whilst we are still awaiting confirmation from DEFRA that we are dealing with Avian Flu, we are taking the situation extremely seriously.

Read more information from DEFRA

Our team are collecting carcasses and dealing with distressed birds as quickly as possible – but please be aware that there may be some unavoidable delays due to the size of the reserve, number of birds affected and the availability of trained staff and equipment such as boats.

We have also fenced off the approach to the Nature Centre (which remains open) as a precaution to discourage bird feeding and limit opportunities for contact between birds and people.

This incident has been traumatic for everyone connected with the reserve and we would like to thank visitors and the wider community for their support, patience and understanding and at this difficult time.

There are a number of ways you can help at this difficult time:

Advice, more information and how to report dead birds

Following the decision by Nottinghamshire Anglers Association (NAA) not to renew their option on the fishing rights at Attenborough Nature Reserve, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust in 2022, angling at the reserve remains suspended.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, a registered charity, has a longstanding policy of not allowing angling on land for which it holds the angling rights. These rights transferred to the Trust when the land was purchased in December 2020. However, due to the long working relationship with NAA, the Trust opened discussions over a new agreement subject to a reduction in the number of fishing spots or ‘pegs' - in keeping with our objectives of managing the reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, to enhance its wildlife value. Despite initial progress, NAA chose not to engage with the discussions. The Trust has continued to explore potential for reintroducing limited angling and remain open to the possibility of a resumption, but this is not a current priority for the charity.

We understand that the continued suspension will be a source of disappointment to anglers who have regularly fished at the reserve previously but we ask all anglers to respect the suspension and refrain from fishing until further notice.

Any unauthorised angling should be reported to the Environment Agency incident hotline 24/7 on 0800 807060.

We love dogs, but wildlife isn’t as keen!

So please keep dogs on leads at all times across our nature reserves, especially around livestock and ground nesting birds, where we ask that you keep dogs under close control.

We welcome well-behaved owners and their dogs in our visitor centre but please be considerate to those who are less confident around dogs.

Read more