Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre & Nature Reserve

© Tim Sexton

Open 10am-4pm
Become a member
Wheelchair accessible
Reserve Map

Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre & Nature Reserve

Idle Valley is the largest reserve in our care, located just five minutes away from Retford and within an hour of Nottingham, Lincoln, Doncaster, Sheffield and Newark.  

This beautiful nature reserve is one of the largest in the East Midlands too and has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a gentle stroll with the family, a spot of lunch in a tranquil setting or are looking for somewhere to spend a whole day wildlife watching Idle Valley Nature Reserve is the place to head. We have a wheelchair and pushchair friendly lakeside walk too.

Idle Valley is one of the richest birding sites in the region and species to look out for in winter include gadwall and little grebe. Our café and shop offer a warm welcome and a spectacular view over the reserve making it an ideal destination whatever the weather.

There is also a natural play area for self led den building and exploring!

 

⚠️ PATH CLOSURE ⚠️

Please note that due to recent flooding the accessible paths from the visitor centre around Bellmoor lake are closed in both directions. We hope you understand that this is for the safety of our visitors.

The visitor centre and car park are open as usual. If you would like to take a walk around the reserve you can do this from Chainbridge lane. Be aware that there are potholes and potentially large puddles along the lane!   

Map of the reserve

Hibernaculum - for toads and other wildlife

Hibernaculum - for toads and other wildlife

Wildflower planters

Wildflower planters

Idle Valley Bikes - DSC_0033 - Edited - Heather Keetley

Heather Keetley

Shop

Our shop at Idle Valley stocks a range of wildlife books, gifts and toys as well as a wide range of bird food and feeders. 

We also have a specialist optics section for binoculars and wildlife watching telescopes and run regular optics events with special discounts and expert advice on hand.

View products
Idley Valley Cafe - DSC_0401 - Edited - Heather Keetley

Heather Keetley

Café

Our café at Idle Valley serves a wide selection of home-cooked food, tasty snacks and hand-made cakes as well as a selection of teas, coffees and other drinks.

If you want to make the most of being outdoors, you can also enjoy your snacks and refreshments in our shady picnic area.

Family Activities

Discover more

Upcoming Events at Idle...

Here is an example of one of our fun family friendly events at Idle Valley:

Idle Valley Nature Reserve forms part of our Idle Valley Living Landscape area where we are working with partners and neighbours to restore and re-connect a range of wildlife habitats.

The reserve is the base for the management of all our nature reserves across the north of the county including Daneshill Lakes and Treswell Wood, the first reserve every purchased by the Trust.

Wildlife Watch

Our Wildlife Watch club offers a fun, wild and fantastic time for children
aged 7 - 13, and meets at Idle Valley on the 2nd Saturday of each month

Find out more

© Tom Marshall

For those wanting to learn more about the reserve’s wildlife we host activities such as monthly bird walks.

If you also want to get involved in caring for this special nature reserve there are a number of volunteer opportunities available.

Volunteers are needed to help care for the reserve but also to help with welcoming visitors, serving in the café and working with families and children at our Wildlife Watch sessions.

Speedo corporate work party at ANR meadow July 2017 credit Peter Stanyon

Volunteer with us

We welcome you to join a great team, make new friendships, discover nature in unique ways and make a real difference for nature and for people.

Find out more

What's going on at Idle...