| Attenborough Nature Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Location | Attenborough, Nottinghamshire, England |
| Nearest city | Nottingham |
| Area | 145 hectares (360 acres) |
| Created | 1966 |
| Operated by | Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust |
| Status | SSSI |
Attenborough Nature Reserve is a nature reserve at Attenborough, Nottinghamshire, England, located 7 Kilometres south west of Nottingham city centre.[1] It is managed by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust[2] in partnership with the site's owners, Cemex[2] (formerly RMC Group), supported by Broxtowe Borough Council.[1][2] At its centre is a building called Attenborough Nature Centre,[3] comprising visitor services and educational facilities.
The site was used as gravel pits between 1929 and 1967.[2] The reserve was established in 1966 and opened by David Attenborough.[2] It now covers covers 145 hectares.[2]
The reserve sits at the confluence of the River Erewash and the Trent, and is part of an area designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).[2] The SSSI extends westwards beyond the reserve, to the County Boundary.[2]
There are large lakes formed by the flooded pits, plus drier areas of scrub and grassland, and areas of native willow.[2]
Among the nationally rare birds seen at the reserve are Penduline Tit (1994), Squacco Heron (1998 and 2011), Purple Heron (2003) and Sora (2004).[4]
Working gravel barges still pass through the site.[1]