Altar Stones
For stunning views across the Leicestershire countryside, yet nestled in the suburbs, look no further than Altar Stones nature reserve. Perched atop a rocky hilltop, it is said that during World…
Nature Reserves
Visit a special wild place near you
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust manages 35 nature reserves covering over 1,200 hectares of rich, diverse and beautiful habitats. From woodland to meadows, wetland to heaths, our nature reserves comprise some of the most important wildlife and geological sites in the counties. As well as containing varied, interesting and even rare wildlife species, our nature reserves are hugely important places for people to visit and enjoy, and appreciate outstanding wildlife. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Explore the links below to find out more.
Help us keep our nature reserves good for wildlife and good for people
- Stay on waymarked paths
- Put rubbish in bins or take it home with you
- Don't start fires or barbeques
- Be careful of nesting wildlife
- Remember nature reserves are special places for wildlife
- Please check each reserve page for individual dog policies as not all our reserves allow dogs on site. We kindly ask that dogs are kept on leads at all times to minimise any disturbance to wildlife
Thank you for helping us keep our nature reserves wild! Enjoy your visit.
Parking
We are introducing What3words to all our listed nature reserves on this page. Please note that there may be different What3words addresses for parking and the reserve entrance. Check the parking information separately from the location information on the relevant reserve page and follow any parking instructions, including parking considerately for other road users. Please note that not all of our nature reserves have car parks. We encourage the use of public transport, walking, or cycling wherever possible.
Thank you and enjoy our reserves!
Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve
This nature reserve may be relatively young, but it is already bursting with life. Just a few miles from Ibstock and Coalville, this is the ideal place to escape the area’s industrial heritage.
The site was farmed, probably for hay, with some pasture, up until the late nineteenth century, when the sewerage system for Coalville was installed and parts of the River Sence were straightened.
The site ceased to function in 1989, but was still used up until 1993, then plans started to take place to transform this area into a wildlife heaven.
In 1995 work began on the wetland areas recreating the natural meanders in the river, marking the start of this amazing transformative journey.
Nature Reserves
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Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre
The Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre is the gateway to the Egleton Nature Reserve, which makes up the larger part of Rutland Water Nature Reserve. A network of lagoons and wetlands, joined by…
Bloody Oaks Quarry
Bloody Oaks Quarry is one of the best places in Leicestershire and Rutland to enjoy a spot of wildflower hunting or butterfly watching. Most of this tiny reserve is species-rich limestone…
Charley Woods
A mosaic of woodlands in the heart of Charnwood, this ancient, broadleaved woodland is bursting with wildlife. In the spring, you can enjoy a spectacular display of bluebells. Enjoy woodland birds…
Charnwood Lodge
At nearly 200 hectares, this beautiful nature reserve abounds with ancient history, atmosphere and wildlife. Grasslands support an array of butterflies in the summer, whilst the woodlands burst…
Cloud Wood
Cloud Wood has long been known as one of the best sites in Leicestershire for flora, with over 220 recorded species of ferns and flowering plants recorded! Look out for some interesting and…
Coombs Meadows
Coombs Meadows (or Combs, Combes or Coombes, depending on provenance!) are a suite of grasslands overlooking the Vale of Belvoir. Take a stroll around this botanical haven this summer, and enjoy…
Cossington Meadows
This wetland haven is worth visiting all year around, but comes alive in the winter, when rafts of ducks, like wigeon and teal, gather on the lakes, and short-eared owls hunt over the meadows.…
Cribb's Meadow
Cribb's Meadow is a small but intricate mosaic of diverse habitats, made up of grasslands, two ponds and a disused railway line, where scrub and mature trees are taking back the land. A walk…
Croft Pasture
This special nature reserve is very close to our wild hearts, as it was discovered by the late Stephen Bishop: once Honorable Scientific Officer to the Trust. This amazing geological site was…