Popular nature site celebrates £200k investment from Mayor of the East Midlands

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust staff revealed plans for the future of the reserve as they welcomed the Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, to the popular site.  

Mayor Claire has awarded £200,000 to Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust to develop plans to improve the reserve and its on-site Attenborough Nature Centre. 

Mayor Claire said: “Attenborough Nature Reserve shows what is possible when you have a strong vision for nature recovery. However, it doesn’t happen without investment. We have put our money where our mouth is and I am looking forward to seeing how this funding will help transform the site in the future. 

“By supporting the team at Attenborough to develop detailed plans now, this funding will support them to do more of what they do best: unlocking further investment, bringing nature to our communities, boosting tourism and the local economy, and leading the way in green growth.” 

The funding from the Mayor will support plans to modernise the site, improve accessibility and create a better experience for visitors, helping even more people enjoy and learn about nature. 

Paul Wilkinson, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust chief executive, said: “I was delighted to show Mayor Claire around Attenborough Nature Centre and Reserve, where she met staff, volunteers and visitors who will benefit from the exciting investment. 

“Getting the best from this flagship reserve for both people and wildlife is vital for the future. Rejuvenating the centre, improving accessibility on the reserve, and further enhancing the areas for wildlife will create a better experience for everyone, contribute to the local and regional economy and community wellbeing and inspire more people to take action together to create a wilder Nottinghamshire.” 

The reserve was opened by Sir David Attenborough in 1966. It is described by the trust as a “beautiful complex of flooded former gravel pits and islands providing exceptional habitat for a wide range of wildlife”.  

The 220-hectare site is best known for its birds, with more than 250 species recorded, but also provides a home for about 2,500 species of bird, mammal, insect, plants and other wildlife.   

The Trust believes the reserve also has the potential to play an even more significant role in the region: supporting nature’s recovery, and inspiring and educating people to take action for nature and the climate. 

The Attenborough Nature Centre, which opened 21 years ago, was originally designed to welcome about 70,000 visitors per year. However, due to its popularity it welcomed about 160,000 visitors in its first year of operation – and has significantly exceeded expected visitor numbers ever since. 

The award-winning centre was designed to embrace a range of sustainable technologies, such as water source heat pumps. A rejuvenated building could once again lead the way in showcasing sustainable construction techniques and innovative technologies which support green growth. 

Last year, Mayor Claire launched a Nature and Biodiversity Taskforce, bringing together experts from across the region to help protect and enhance the natural environment. The taskforce aims to ensure nature thrives, while supporting healthier communities, resilient habitats, and sustainable places to live, work, and learn. 

Through initiatives such as this, it is helping identify opportunities to secure investment in the natural environment and maximise the benefits nature can bring to local communities and the region’s economy.