Idle Valley Nature Reserve

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Idle Valley Nature Reserve

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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. Membership 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

05/11/2026

Let's keep our prickly pals safe this Bonfire Night!

Remember to check your bonfire for hedgehogs before lighting and assemble them on the SAME day they'll be lit. 🦔

03/11/2026

Fancy a trip to Newark for an exciting talk this Thursday evening?

Geoff Lee will be taking us through the swans, geese and ducks found in Britain, their range, migration, population and breeding.

Find out more!👇

Geoff Lee takes us through the swans, geese and ducks found in Britain, their range, migration, population and breeding.

29/10/2026

Have you stopped in yet this half term? 👇

A reminder that we still have exciting activities going on over the Half Term until the 2nd November!

Come in to the centre and discover nature together with us 🍂

27/10/2026

Halloween can be a tricky time for wildlife. From discarded pumpkins to spooky decorations, some seasonal traditions can unintentionally put animals at risk. 🦔🦇

Check out our top tips to help keep wildlife safe this Halloween and ensure nature can enjoy the season too. 🍂🎃

👉

Halloween is often a great time for spooky family fun, but unfortunately it is often full of plastic and waste. Here are some ways to enjoy the spooky season without harming wildlife.

24/10/2026

A reminder that we still have exciting activities going on over the Half Term until the 2nd November!

Come in to the centre and discover nature together with us 🍂

22/10/2026

Have you tried our updated menu yet? 👀

Find out what's new for autumn, with new menu items too good to resist after a rejuvenating walk! 🚶🏻‍♀️☕🍂

Check out the menu and plan your visit 👇

One of the largest sites for nature conservation in the East Midlands

15/10/2026

A reminder for this exciting event taking place this weekend!👇

Help us turn bare earth into a vibrant habitat! 🌱

Join us for a Wildflower Seeding and Pond Planting Community Event in Shireoaks on Saturday 17th October from 10am - 2pm!

All equipment provided!

More information here👇
https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/events/2026-10-17-wildflower-seeding-pond-planting-community-event

13/10/2026

Autumn is a treasured time of year for many. 🍂

As the nights draw in and the weather cools, we can look forward to cosy evenings spent keeping warm, twinkling lights in gradually darker skies, and the pending excitement of the festive season. 👀

As well as visiting us here at the reserve for a crisp walk and hot drink in the cafe, enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with our guide to your essential autumn activites! 💚

Autumn is a time of beautiful colours and unique wildlife and plantlife. Check out our handy guide to the various things you can do and see during this amazing season!

Help us turn bare earth into a vibrant habitat! 🌱Join us for a Wildflower Seeding and Pond Planting Community Event in S...

11/10/2026

09/10/2026

Looking to make half term plans?👀

For Bassetlaw Autumn half term 18th October - 2nd November, we've got you!

Join us for lots of fun including woodland activities, nature crafts and getting stuck in with our discovery packs!

We can't wait to see you there! 🍂

Address

North Road (A638)
East Retford
DN228RQ

Telephone

+441777858245

Website

http://nottinghamshirewildlife.org/idle-valley

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