Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre Notts WT cpt Tim Sexton

Little Ringed Plover NottsWT cpt John Smith

Idle Valley

One of the largest sites for nature conservation in the East Midlands

⚠️ PATH CLOSURE: find out more below ⚠️

Location

North Road

Retford

Nottinghamshire

DN22 8RQ

Know before you go

Size

450 hectares

Entry fee

Free access

Parking information

Parking donations accepted

Bicycle parking

Yes

Walking trails

There are 4 designated walking routes

⚠️ 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!

Access

Access to the reserve is open daily 9-5pm. The cafe and shop in the centre is open from 10am to 4pm daily. There is disabled parking onsite and many of the trails around the reserve are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Contact the Trust for more information.

Dogs

Under effective control

Facilities

Visitor centre

Toilets

Shop

Cafe/refreshments

Picnic area

Disabled toilet

Baby changing facilities

Outdoor play area

When to visit

Opening times

Summer = Open for walking from 9am to 7pm
Autumn = Open for walking from 9am to 4pm
Winter = Open for walking from 9am to 5pm

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

This reserve consists of a beautiful 450ha network of lakes, wetland, grassland and scrub. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife and is recognised as one of the richest birding sites in the region. Look out for birds such as gadwall and little grebe in winter and breeding wading birds including little ringed plover and redshank in spring and summer. The Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre is a high quality educational facility based at the south end of the site and is a venue for a range of training courses and events.