Bird PlacesNottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserve · Beeston, Nottinghamshire
Attenborough Nature Reserve birdwatching guide
Attenborough is a chain of flooded gravel pits in the Trent valley that has become one of the Midlands' best-known reserves, with a modern visitor centre standing over the water. Kingfishers, bitterns and large winter wildfowl flocks are all within a short walk of a railway station, which makes it an unusually easy reserve to reach without a car.
Key facts
- Habitat
- wetland
- Size
- Not recorded
- Entry fee (adult)
- Free
- Entry fee (child)
- Free
- Membership required
- No
- Hides
- Not published
- Wheelchair access
- Yes
- Car park
- Yes
- Toilets
- Yes
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Status
- open
- Best seasons
- winter, spring
Species by season
| Season | Species | Likelihood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) | common | — |
| autumn | Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) | frequent | — |
| winter | Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) | occasional | — |
| winter | Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) | common | — |
Getting there
Beeston, Nottinghamshire
View on OpenStreetMap · Official website
Facilities & opening
Car park 8am–dusk; nature centre 9am–5pm weekdays and 9am–6pm weekends in summer, 9am–4pm daily in winter
Frequently asked questions
Can I reach Attenborough Nature Reserve by public transport?
Yes — Attenborough railway station is a short walk from the entrance, and Nottingham's bus and tram network serves nearby Beeston.
Is there a parking charge at Attenborough?
Entry to the reserve is free, but the car park is charged: free for up to 30 minutes, then £3 up to two hours, £4 up to four hours and £5 all day.
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Information last updated 25 July 2026.