Attenborough Nature Reserve

About The Reserve

Introduction To The Reserve

Attenborough Nature Reserve is situated in the Trent Valley on the south-western edge of Nottingham and consists of 240 acres of flooded gravel pits with associated marginal vegetation on a site of approximately 360 acres. The multitude of diverse habitats are situated along an important migration route.
Prior to 1929 Attenborough village was surrounded by wet grassland and willow beds, which were prone to flooding in most years. Flooding enriched the grassland with mineral rich silt deposits. Beneath the topsoil lay valuable deposits of sand and gravel which were deposited when the glaciers receded at the end of the last ice age.
Extraction of these deposits of sand and gravel began in 1929, leaving a bare landscape which has since been recolonised by a wide variety of plants and animals. The recolonisation process still occurs to the present day and with careful management is creating more varied habitats for a new range of wildlife.

Description Of The Reserve

The reserve itself was established in 1966 and comprises of a series of disused gravel pits excavated between 1929 and 1967. The recolonisation process has created a diverse range of aquatic and waterside habitats. The areas between the gravel pits comprise of drier grassland and scrub with patches of native willow, alder and old stream courses.

The Delta, situated at the Beeston end of the reserve was originally laid down by silt streams from the gravel workings. This area is a rich habitat of small glades and rides situated amongst willow and alder.There is also an expanse of reed beds in this section of the reserve.

The Delta is not open to the public to prevent disturbance as it is an important wildlife area. A new area of silt, deposited adjacent to the railway line can now be seen close to the gravel works and provides a habitat for many gulls and waders alike.
The reserve runs alongside the River Trent, which, although of less importance provides yet another wildlife habitat. Across the river from the reserve an expanse of grassland meadows and arable farmland can be seen. Flooding of one such field provides a flash most years, which is of importance for visiting waders. There is also a visible heronry in the wood beyond the farmland.
Recent years have witnessed further gravel extraction just outside the reserve boundary close to Long Eaton with the New Working having moved across the road. These workings provide useful habitat diversity. However, since water pumping has ceased from the pits within the reserve in this area, the best habitat for waders and wintering Jack Snipe has been lost to the consequent flooding.
The reserve has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by English Nature.

Access and Facilities

The reserve is situated 5 miles South West of Nottingham between Beeston and Long Eaton off the A6005. From Junction 25 of the M1 take the A52 signposted to Nottingham. After approximately 1.5 miles turn right at the roundabout on the A6003 to Long Eaton and Toton. After a further 1.25 miles turn left at the traffic lights on the A6005. After half a mile turn right at the traffic lights through Chilwell Retail Park, continue straight on at the roundabout on to Barton Lane at the end of which is situated the main car park (516340).
For visitors who do not have their own transport, the nature reserve is well served by public transport. The old car park which is the start of the nature trail is only five minutes walk from Attenborough Train Station, which is situated on the Nottingham to Derby line. There are also frequent buses running between Beeston and Long Eaton, past any of the access points to the reserve and the majority of the buses will start or terminate at either Nottingham or Derby.

Entry to the reserve is also possible on foot from Beeston Rylands or Long Eaton along the river tow path. There is a network of footpaths and bridleways around the reserve and a hide is situated opposite the Delta, adjacent to the river tow path.

Keys to the hide are available from The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and a Nature Trail guide can also be purchased.

To view a detailed map of the reserve, including the nature trail click here

Whether you visit the reserve to watch birds, to fish or simply to walk and enjoy the beauty of the area, please take care of the wildlife and it's environment for the enjoyment of others. Please stay on the main paths, do not pick the wild flowers or fruit that may be vital to the survival of insects and wintering birds and please keep dogs under control whilst on the reserve. Thank you for your co-operation.

Attenborough Nature Reserve is jointly managed by the owners, Butterley Aggregates Ltd. and The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

For information on The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, guided walks and reserve contacts, click on the contacts button below.