Nature Reserves

If you have a keen eye for wildlife, why not take advantage of many of Nottinghamshire’s Nature Reserves? With FREE entry to almost all attractions, it’s your chance to spot some magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, and take a photo or two. Stroll round at your leisure and admire some of the best sights in rural Notts.

Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve

This 450-acre country park was designated a National Nature Reserve in 2002 by English Nature, the government agency responsible for safeguarding our natural environment. The large woodland, which is internationally linked to the legendary Robin Hood, boasts an excellent habitat for a wide range of wildlife.

In early January 2014, Parrot crossbills were spotted nourishing the pine seeds of the Forest, a rare winter visitor to the county. The birds had flown from Scandinavia and Russia for warmer British weather.

Why not see what you can spot in Robin Hood’s forest?

RSPB Beckingham Marshes

In 2012, the completion of the Beckingham Marshes Project saw a brand new visitor trail and bustling wetland open on the outskirts of Beckingham, north Nottinghamshire. The project was one of the UK’s biggest wetland habitat restoration projects and was set up to transform land back to grassland.

Today, visitors can enjoy the brand new wetland which provides ideal conditions for lots of wetland wildlife. Amazingly, it covers over 800 hectares of farmland – the equivalent of approximately 1,600 football pitches.

Please note: Entrance is FREE, but donations are welcome.

Vicar Water Country Park

Covering 80 hectares of parkland, Vicar Water is a haven for wildlife. The park, just south of Clipstone village in north Nottinghamshire, offers excellent footpaths and bridleways expanding across mature woodland and rich grassland with spectacular views across to Derbyshire and Lincolnshire. It is a perfect place for walkers, runners, horse riders and cyclists.

Please note: Admission is FREE, and there is a donation fee to use the car park.