England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Rutland

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

01 / 05

Rutland Water Nature Reserve

Near Egleton and Manton, near Oakham

Habitat: Shallow lagoons, reedbeds, wet grassland and woodland around the reservoir’s western end.
Wildlife to look for: Osprey (spring–summer), common tern (spring–summer), great crested grebe, great white egret, wigeon (winter).

02 / 05

Near Ketton

Habitat: Old limestone workings with flower-rich grassland, scrub and woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Grizzled skipper butterfly (spring–early summer), dingy skipper butterfly (spring–early summer), marbled white butterfly (summer), glow-worm (summer nights), adder (warmer months).

03 / 05

Near Empingham

Habitat: A small disused limestone quarry covered in wildflower-rich grassland.
Wildlife to look for: Grizzled skipper butterfly (spring–early summer), marbled white butterfly (summer), common lizard (warmer months), fallow deer.

04 / 05

Near Braunston-in-Rutland, near Oakham

Habitat: Ancient woodland with old coppiced trees and damp, grassy rides.
Wildlife to look for: Nuthatch, great spotted woodpecker, orange-tip butterfly (spring), brimstone butterfly (spring–summer), muntjac deer.

05 / 05

Near Stretton and Greetham

Habitat: Old wildflower meadows bordered by thick hedgerows, with small ponds.
Wildlife to look for: Small skipper butterfly (summer), small heath butterfly (late spring–summer), small copper butterfly (spring–autumn), common blue butterfly (late spring–summer), chimney sweeper moth (early summer).