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!
© Megan Shersby
Great Merrible Wood Nature Reserve
Discover beautiful bluebells, butterflies and birds in this quiet, ancient woodland.
Nature Reserves
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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…
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…
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…
Ketton Quarry
Ketton Quarry is very much still a working limestone site, but parts of the area have been reclaimed by nature. Grassland, scrub and woodland are starting to creep back in, making the most of the…
Stonesby Quarry
This tiny quarry reserve is one of the best spots in Leicestershire to enjoy wildflowers and the diversity of wildlife that they attract, so a trip in late spring and the summer to enjoy orchids,…
Tilton Railway Cutting
Tilton Railway Cutting is a little slice of ancient history! A real-life Jurassic world (except with no dinosaurs), this reserve is managed as much for its geology as for it’s wildlife, 200…