Find a nature reserve near you
Matthew Roberts
From ancient woodlands full of bird song in spring, meadows brimming with wild flowers in summer to heathlands in the heart of Sherwood Forest, our reserves bring you close to nature right across the county. With dozens of peaceful and uplifting sanctuaries the length and breadth of Nottinghamshire our network of sites helps people explore the wildlife right on their doorstep.

Nature for health
We want more people to discover that daily contact with wildlife improves their mental health, and we want more people to care about and take action for wildlife as a result. Seeing birds near our homes, walking through green spaces filled with wild flowers, and along rivers that are clean and clear reduces stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
Daily contact with nature is also linked to better physical health, including reductions in obesity and improved concentration.
Idle Valley
The centre is now open for cafe takeaways only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Toilet facilities are not avaiable yet. The car park…
Attenborough Nature Reserve
The reserve currently remains open for visitors to enjoy at the recommended 2 metre distance from others. The cafe has now is offering…
Stonepit Plantation
Stonepit Plantation is an abandoned quarry, combining both woodland and parkland areas.
Daneshill Lakes
An area of disused and flooded gravel pits
Spalford Warren
A reserve of sand-blown heath, one of the rarest habitats in the county
Mansey Common
A wood pasture with a mixture of grassland, scrub and veteran oaks.
Rainworth Heath
Rainworth Heath is part of the historic Sherwood Forest area and it is one of the last remaining areas of heathland in Nottingham
Treswell Wood Nature Reserve
One of the best examples of an ash/oak/maple wood in Nottinghamshire
Meden Trail
A disused railway track, now containing areas of grassland and woodland
Wilwell Farm Cutting Nature Reserve
One of the best wildflower sites in Nottinghamshire
Aldercar Flash
Primarily a wetland site, this reserve is home to many species of water birds and insects.
Erewash Meadows
This reserve falls across the county boundary with the larger part being in Derbyshire