Idle Valley Nature Reserve

Idle Valley Nature Reserve Spectacular wetland site covering 450 hectares following the River Idle northwards. The Centre is open from 9:00am - 3:00pm every day. Car park open 9am - 7pm.

The café closes at 2:55pm and the kitchen closes at 2:30pm. Idle Valley Nature Reserve is part of the Idle Valley Project area, managed by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust - a beautiful 450 hectare network of lakes, wetland, grassland and scrub. The reserve includes the 300 hectare nationally designated Sutton and Lound Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – one of the largest in the county. M

embership helps us maintain the site for the benefit of both people and wildlife. This extensive nature reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife and is recognised as one of the richest birding sites in the region. Look out for birds such as gadwall and little grebe in winter, and breeding wading birds including little ringed plover and redshank in spring and summer. The Wildlife Trust looks after Idle Valley, maintaining existing habitats and developing new ones. We focus on providing the visiting public and groups with as many opportunities as possible, for studying, viewing and enjoying wildlife. The Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre is a high quality educational facility based at the south end of the site and is a venue for a range of training course and events. The Centre also includes a café which is open from 10.00am - 3.00pm Mon - Fri, 10.00am - 4pm Sat & Sun. www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/idle-valley

New Glossy Ibis sighting at the reserve!👀Thank you to Stu Davenport for the wonderful capture of this magnificent bird, ...
14/06/2026

New Glossy Ibis sighting at the reserve!👀

Thank you to Stu Davenport for the wonderful capture of this magnificent bird, spotted earlier this week.

Sightings of glossy ibis have become more common in the UK, mirroring an increase in their breeding population in southwest Europe, and highlighting the effects of climate change on the natural world.

You can help to protect our wildlife by staying on footpaths, keeping dogs on a lead and under control, and moving away if birds seem disturbed.💚

Come and join us tomorrow for our next monthly weekend stroll at the reserve from 10:30am - 12:00pm! 🚶Take in the views,...
12/06/2026

Come and join us tomorrow for our next monthly weekend stroll at the reserve from 10:30am - 12:00pm! 🚶

Take in the views, chat with someone new, and enjoy the benefits of walking in nature.💚

Find out more👇

Come and join us for our monthly weekend strolls at Idle Valley Nature Reserve. Take in the views, chat with someone new, and enjoy the benefits of walking in nature.

Our next Wildlife Watch session, 'Pollen Movers and Shakers' will be this Saturday from 10:30am - 12:30pm! 💚Wildlife Wat...
10/06/2026

Our next Wildlife Watch session, 'Pollen Movers and Shakers' will be this Saturday from 10:30am - 12:30pm! 💚

Wildlife Watch groups offer a fun, wild and fantastic time for kids aged 7-12, and we have groups which meet up every month. Find out more and just pay on the day!👇

Seasonal wildlife activities for 7 to 12 year olds, with a walk in the reserve.

Take a sensory journey with nature 🪻🌿  For one of your   activities, pause for a few moments and tune into the natural w...
09/06/2026

Take a sensory journey with nature 🪻🌿

For one of your activities, pause for a few moments and tune into the natural world using your senses. Focusing on your senses in nature can help you slow down, clear distractions, and feel more connected to the world around you.

Pick one idea, try a few, or try them all 💚

Have you signed up to the free challenge? https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/30-days-wild

The North Notts Mural Trail has launched!👀This fabulous trail consists of 30 vibrant, eco-themed murals located across t...
06/06/2026

The North Notts Mural Trail has launched!👀

This fabulous trail consists of 30 vibrant, eco-themed murals located across the district’s four main towns and other spaces, including our Idle Valley Nature Reserve!

You have until 6th September to view the installations or take part in the mural Trail Challenge - come down to Idle Valley and you can collect your free Pocket Guide from the Nature Centre! (info here https://northnottsbid.co.uk/latest-news/north-notts-mural-trail/)

Why not make it one of your 30 Days Wild activities to follow the trail, by yourself or with your family? There's still time to sign up to the June nature challenge and get your FREE resources pack! 👇
https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/30-days-wild

We’re proud to have been recognised for local excellence!💚Idle Valley has been nominated in the North Notts Business Awa...
04/06/2026

We’re proud to have been recognised for local excellence!💚

Idle Valley has been nominated in the North Notts Business Awards, and your vote could help the team gain the recognition they truly deserve.✨

Cast your vote below today and show your support for Idle and our community whilst they help keep Nottinghamshire wild! Every vote counts!👇🏼

https://northnottsbusinessawards.weebly.com/public-voting-awards-2026.html

If you're interested in a long walk around our beautiful reserve, join us on the first Thursday of every month! 🚶🏼This T...
02/06/2026

If you're interested in a long walk around our beautiful reserve, join us on the first Thursday of every month! 🚶🏼

This Thursday we'll set off at 10AM from the Nature Centre.💚

The walks are designed for those who prefer a longer, more challenging walk - think between 8 and 10 miles, depending on day and attendees. They last 4 to 5 hours so bring a some food and drink, as we stop for lunch half way around. Feel free to bring binoculars too if you want a good look at the wildlife! The walks always start and finish at the café in Idle Valley.

Find out more:

If you're interested in a long walk around our beautiful Idle Valley Nature Reserve, join us on the first Thursday of every month!

30 Days Wild starts tomorrow and we are so excited! 💚June is a month full of subtle wonders, bees buzzing in gardens, sw...
31/05/2026

30 Days Wild starts tomorrow and we are so excited! 💚

June is a month full of subtle wonders, bees buzzing in gardens, swifts circling above, wildflowers appearing in unexpected places.

Take a little time for yourself and for nature this June.

You can still join thousands of people and get your free resources to start 30 Days Wild tomorrow 👉www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/30-days-wild

Wondering about other nature conservation work happening near Idle Valley?🌿💧Our £1.1m Natural Flood Management project i...
29/05/2026

Wondering about other nature conservation work happening near Idle Valley?🌿💧

Our £1.1m Natural Flood Management project in Shireoaks & Worksop, funded by the Environment Agency, is using solutions like tree planting, ponds, and “leaky dams” to slow water flow, reduce flooding risk, and boost wildlife habitats, all while improving local green spaces.

It’s a powerful reminder that working with nature can deliver real benefits for people and the environment 🤝🌍

Read the full article:

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has given the green light for a new Natural Flood Management project

Thursday the 4th is our Photography walk at Idle Valley !👀If you're looking for a longer walk, try our Photography and W...
26/05/2026

Thursday the 4th is our Photography walk at Idle Valley !👀

If you're looking for a longer walk, try our Photography and Wildlife Walks on the first Thursday of every month starting at 10am during winter or 10:30am during summer.📸

The walks are designed for those who prefer a longer, more challenging walk - think between 8 and 10 miles, depending on day and attendees. They last 4 to 5 hours so bring a some food and drink, as we stop for lunch half way around. Feel free to bring binoculars too if you want a good look at the wildlife! The walks always start and finish at the café in Idle Valley. 🚶

If you're interested in a long walk around our beautiful Idle Valley Nature Reserve, join us on the first Thursday of every month!

Address

North Road (A638)
East Retford
DN228RQ

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