Things to do > Family > Nature reserves and parks

Act naturally!

Nottinghamshire remains a haven for nature lovers. Our nature reserves are vital for preserving plant and animal species indigenous to our region.

Attenborough Nature Reserve
In 1966, the Attenborough Nature Reserve was opened (somewhat appropriately by Sir David Attenborough). Attenborough Nature Reserve is an eco-friendly visitor attraction and education centre surrounded by tranquil waters of the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve. Listed as one of the top 10 eco destinations in the world.    

The reserve runs along the banks of the River Trent on the south side of Nottingham and is made up from an array of lagoons intersepted with grasslands, reedbad and wet woodland. These habitats are home to a huge variety of waterfowl, insects and other fascinating wildlife.      

Naturescape

Over 40 acreas of fields, a spectacular sight in the summer months encouraging a vast array of wildlife including: mammals, birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Naturescape is a worthwhile day out for families and those who love the countryside.    

Sherwood Forest
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. Get back to nature here in legendary surroundings.

Coming soon…
Plans are underway to create a major new RSPB reserve on the outskirts of Beckingham, Nottinghamshire. The Beckingham Marshes Project is one of the UK’s biggest wetland habitat restoration projects. When completed, it will cover over 800 hectares of farmland – the equivalent of approximately 1,600 football pitches. The project aims to revert land back to grassland and work with local farmers to re-introduce a cattle-grazing system, beneficial to ground-nesting birds such as lapwings, snipe and redshanks.

If you're staying over in the city then check out our list of approved Nottingham hotels. Nottinghamshire and Sherwood Forest are great options for UK family holidays and our Robin Hood breaks website has everything you need. For that home away from home try our range of Nottingham bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) or our approved Nottingham holiday cottages.

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