England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Nottinghamshire

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

01 / 05

Attenborough Nature Reserve

Near Attenborough, near Beeston.

Habitat: Flooded gravel pits and islands with wet woodland, reedbeds and meadows.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, otter, sand martin (spring and summer), great crested grebe and goldeneye (winter).

02 / 05

Near Retford.

Habitat: A broad network of lakes, wetlands, grassland and scrub in the Idle Valley.
Wildlife to look for: Barn owl, roe deer, little ringed plover (spring and summer), redshank and gadwall (especially winter).

03 / 05

Near Edwinstowe.

Habitat: Ancient oak woodland with old trees, deadwood and open grassy areas.
Wildlife to look for: Great spotted woodpecker, lesser spotted woodpecker (scarce; easiest to look for in late winter and early spring), marsh tit, nuthatch and redstart (spring and summer).

04 / 05

Near Budby.

Habitat: Open heathland and grassland with scattered old trees, scrub and woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Red deer, nightjar (summer, around dusk), woodlark (especially spring), tree pipit (spring and summer) and common lizard (spring to autumn).

05 / 05

Near Collingham.

Habitat: Former gravel workings restored to reedbeds, open water, islands, grassland and scrub.
Wildlife to look for: Bittern, marsh harrier, brown hare, barn owl and hobby (late spring and summer).