© Tim Sexton
© John Smith
© John Smith
The café and shop at Idle Valley Nature Reserve are open between 10am and 3pm for drinks, cakes and snacks. Toilets are open.
One of the largest sites for nature conservation in the East Midlands
Location
Know before you go
Entry fee
Free accessParking information
£3 donationBicycle parking
YesGrazing animals
Rare breed cattle and sheep can be seen in various areas around the reserve throughout the year. Please keep to paths and keep dogs on leads near them.Walking trails
There are 4 designated walking routes.
Access
Access to the reserve is open daily 9-5pm.
The visitor centre shop and cafe is open for snacks and drinks. Toilets are available.
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
Facilities
When to visit
Opening times
Summer = Open for walking from 9am to 7pmAutumn = Open for walking from 9am to 4pm
Winter = Open for walking from 9am to 5pm
Best time to visit
All year roundAbout 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.