Attenborough Nature Reserve: A Nottinghamshire Treasure

I have been visiting Attenborough Nature Reserve for as long as I can remember.

I grew up very close to the reserve, and some of my very earliest memories are of walking around the gravel pits and along the River Trent, often with the spire of the historic St Mary’s Church visible in the background.

The area has changed a lot since then—I remember the days when flooding was a constant local worry—but today, it stands as a testament to how nature and industry can eventually find a beautiful balance.

Established in 1966 and opened by Sir David Attenborough himself, the reserve is an interconnected set of former gravel pits, now flooded, which provide plentiful habitats for wildlife.

Islands on some of the water-filled pits make for great breeding grounds, while the southern edge runs alongside the mighty River Trent.

However, if you are planning a visit in 2024 or early 2025, the reserve isn’t quite the seamless loop it used to be. To make sure your trip is as relaxing as it should be, I’ve put together this updated guide with all the practicalities you need to know.

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⚠️ Important Update: Works Bridge Closure

Before you pack your boots, there is one vital thing you need to know. The Works Bridge—which crosses the Works Pond and connects the Delta Path to the riverside—is currently closed due to structural issues.

This effectively breaks the “circular” loop for the time being. If you head out expecting to do the full perimeter walk, you will hit a dead end and have to backtrack.

The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is working hard on a replacement.

Until then, please follow the diversion signs and check the map in the car park!

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Arriving and Parking

There is a large car park near the Nature Centre which makes for the perfect starting point. In the past, this was quite informal, but please note there is now a structured ANPR (camera) system in place.

It’s worth noting that if you are just dropping in to visit the shop or grab a quick coffee, the first 30 minutes are free. For longer stays, the fees go directly to supporting the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, which I think is a fair trade for such a beautiful facility.

Current Parking Tariffs:

If you are arriving by bus, the Trent Barton Indigo service stops just at the top of Barton Lane.

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The Walking Trails

While I often just wander where my feet take me, the reserve actually has three specific waymarked trails. Knowing which one to pick can save you from tired legs (or bored children!).

1. The Tufted Duck Trail (Short & Sweet)

• Distance: 1.9 miles (approx. 3.5 km)
• Difficulty: Easy / Level
• Best For: Families and quick visits.This is the shortest route and stays close to the centre. It takes in the Tween Pond and is fantastic for seeing nesting Herons in the spring or dragonflies in the summer.

2. The Skylark Trail (The Open Route)

• Distance: 2.6 miles (approx. 4.2 km)
• Difficulty: Easy / Level
• Best For: Grassland birds and open views.This walk heads out along the railway line towards Long Eaton and returns via the river. It passes the Erewash Field, which is a haven for Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. In winter, keep your eyes peeled for Short-eared Owls hunting over the grass.

3. The Kingfisher Trail (The Perimeter)

• Distance: 3.7 miles (approx. 6 km)
• Difficulty: Moderate length
• Best For: The full experience.This trail circles the perimeter and takes you out to the Delta Sanctuary, one of the largest willow woodlands in the region. Note: Due to the Works Bridge closure mentioned above, this full loop is currently disrupted, so check the diversions.

A Note on Accessibility:

Generally, the reserve is very flat. However, be aware that some of the bridges over the sluices are quite steep.

While the visitor centre and main paths are wheelchair friendly, some of the further reaches have “Radar gates” which require a key, and manual wheelchair users might find the bridge gradients a challenge without assistance.

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Wildlife Highlights: More Than Just Ducks

The Starling Murmuration

If you visit in winter (November to January), you might be treated to my absolute favourite spectacle: the starling murmuration. It is mesmerising, almost addictive to watch.

To catch it, you need to be strategic. The birds usually gather over the Clifton Pit or the Delta reedbeds.

Aim to arrive about 45 minutes to an hour before sunset. Seeing thousands of birds swirling in shape-shifting clouds before suddenly dropping into the reeds is a “ballet in flight” you won’t forget.

Summer Visitors

In the warmer months, head through the garden behind the Visitor Centre to find the Sand Martin Hide.

These agile little birds nest in the artificial banks there, and the hide gives you a front-row seat to their frantic, wonderful activity.

The Elusive Residents

I think my favourite bird to spot here is the Kingfisher.

They are often seen flashing vibrant blues and greens near the Visitor Centre or from the Delta Hide. We also have Otters on the reserve! They are notoriously shy, but early mornings or dusk near the river offer your best chance of seeing one.

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The Visitor Centre and Café

After a bracing walk, the Nature Centre is a sanctuary of its own. It’s home to a lovely gift shop and a café that serves food generally from 9:00am to 3:00pm (with the centre open until 4pm).

The café has a balcony that looks right out over the water. It’s my favourite place to sit any time of year; you can sometimes spot a Kingfisher right from your table while sipping a cappuccino (approx. £3.50).

They offer a good range of cakes, paninis (around £6.50), and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options too.

Facilities Checklist:

• Toilets: Yes, inside the centre (accessible).
• Shop: Binoculars, bird food, and local gifts.
• Hearing Loop: Installed in the centre.

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A Note for Dog Walkers

Dogs are very welcome here, and in a rare move for nature reserves, well-behaved dogs are even allowed inside the Visitor Centre!

However, out on the reserve, please keep them on a lead. This isn’t just a bureaucratic rule; it’s because we have ground-nesting birds (like the Skylarks mentioned earlier) that are incredibly vulnerable to disturbance.

By keeping your dog on a lead, you’re directly helping to protect the wildlife we all come here to enjoy.

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Conclusion

Whether you are here for the winter starlings, a summer stroll on the Tufted Duck trail, or just a coffee with a view, Attenborough remains a true Nottinghamshire treasure.

Just remember to check the bridge status before you set off on that long walk!

Check out our guide to how to discover this and many other gems throughout Nottinghamshire in A Perfect Weekend in Nottinghamshire: Two Curated Itineraries.