(Map courtesy Attenborough Nature Centre - click on map for enlarged version)
Nature reserve
While quarrying continues at our Attenborough site,
earlier phases have been restored to become a popular nature reserve
that has achieved national Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
status.
The 145-hectare mosaic of habitats is now home to a legion of
wildlife and much loved by thousands of people from a wide surrounding
area who also enjoy its community and educational facilities.
Opened in 1966, the reserve has made huge strides forward in more recent years as we and our partners (including the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Broxtowe Borough Council)
have pursued a programme of further development that has released its
exceptional potential. This has included litter clearance, disabled
access improvements and advances in habitat provision plus improvement
footpaths, car parks and access.
A major enhancement has been provided by the the creation of an
award-winning, energy efficient and eco-friendly visitor centre, which
opened in 2005. The centre provides has a wide range of facilities
including educational programmes, catering and meeting and conference
rooms.
The partnership team has now been extended to include English
Nature, the Countryside Agency, Nottinghamshire County Council, the
Environment Agency and many individuals.