I visited the Attenborough Nature Reserve which is situated in the next county to me. It is managed by the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust along with the site's owners, Cemex and supported by Broxtowe Borough Council.
There is a visiting centre where you can purchase nature related gifts, a cafe and educational facilities.
This is looking across one of the flooded gravel pits. We had hoped to do a circular walk of about two and a half miles around the Nature Reserve but sadly it was too boggy. It was difficult to keep on your feet. In fact, I didn't manage it as I got my foot caught up in a bramble which made me skid and fall flat in the mud. Thankfully, nobody saw me but try getting back up in thick mud!
One of the many robins and great tits that flew down to feed off the gate post.
There are on average 500,000 people that visit the reserve each year and is known to be the best site where you can spot the kingfisher. There are many bird species which you can see from the bird hides that are scattered around the reserve. There are also otters to be seen. Sadly, I didn't see any otters which would have made my visit.
It was certainly a place I would return to as everyone was very friendly. A really enjoyable visit which ended with lunch in the cafe overlooking the lake.
Photos by @ellenripley - Julie Smitham. All rights reserved.
