England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Leicestershire

Explore these places for wildlife in Leicestershire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Cossington Meadows

Near Cossington.

Habitat: Lakes, wet meadows and shallow pools beside the River Soar.
Wildlife to look for: Barn owl, kingfisher, wigeon (winter), teal (winter) and black-tailed skimmer dragonfly (summer).

02 / 05

Near Ibstock.

Habitat: Pools and reedbeds surrounded by grassland, scrub and woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, little owl, grasshopper warbler (spring and summer), reed warbler (spring and summer) and little ringed plover (spring and summer).

03 / 05

Near Whitwick.

Habitat: Heath grassland and woodland with rocky outcrops, ponds and boggy ground.
Wildlife to look for: Great spotted woodpecker, buzzard, tree pipit (spring and summer), green hairstreak butterfly (spring) and common pipistrelle bat (warmer months, around dusk).
Access note: Some areas and the main parking area are for Wildlife Trust members only; check the reserve map before visiting.

04 / 05

Near Newtown Linford.

Habitat: Wildflower meadows crossed by a clear stream lined with alder trees.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, brook lamprey, chimney sweeper moth (early summer), siskin (winter) and redpoll (winter).

05 / 05

Near Narborough.

Habitat: Fen meadow, reedbed and wet woodland beside the River Soar.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, tawny owl, sparrowhawk, great spotted woodpecker and gatekeeper butterfly (summer).
Access note: The wet woodland paths are closed, but the other reserve paths remain accessible.