Find a nature reserve near you
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
One of the largest sites for nature conservation in the East Midlands
Woodthorpe Meadow
A small woodland and grassland reserve at the side of the busy Mansfield Road.
Misson Carr
A fascinating reserve containing a variety of habitats
Skylarks
An area of disused gravel pits with important areas of marginal vegetation and willow woodland habitat
Bentinck Banks
A series of dismantled railway lines and their embankments, now covered with grassland and scrub habitats, perfect for insects.
Foxcovert Plantation
A woodland believed to be on the site of part of the ancient Sherwood Forest
Ploughman Wood
One of the county's few remaining ancient woodlands
Treswell Wood Nature Reserve
One of the best examples of an ash/oak/maple wood in Nottinghamshire
Staunton Quarry
Staunton Quarry includes a well-vegetated water body, some grassland, planted poplars, and other broadleaved woodland.
Walkeringham Nature Reserve
Originally a clay pit, then a landfill site and finally a valuable site for wildlife
Aldercar Flash (Erewash Meadows)
Primarily a wetland site, this reserve is home to many species of water birds and insects.
Dyscarr Wood
A semi-natural ash/wych elm wood with some areas of scrub and marsh