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…
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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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…
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…
Dimminsdale
This reserve is well known for the spectacular display of snowdrops that appear in late winter and early spring. A visit to this special site is a must to enjoy the carpet of white that appears,…
Great Merrible Wood
Bluebells, badgers and woodland birds: what more could you want from this beautiful woodland? Adjacent to Eye Brook Reservoir, the reserve is bursting with wildflowers, mammals and birds, and is…
Holwell Reserves
Enjoy a walk at Holwell Reserves, disused quarries, with a mixture of grassland, woodland and exposed rock faces create a peaceful atmosphere throughout the year. A special place for bats,…
Launde Woods
Made up of two of the most ancient woodlands in Leicestershire, stepping into Launde Woods is like stepping back in time. Oak, ash, hazel and field maple dominate Big Wood to the west, whilst Park…
Narborough Bog
Narborough Bog is a unique reserve for Leicestershire and Rutland; over 6,000 years old, this reserve is a hotbed for wildlife in suburbia, with habitats including fen meadow, wet woodland and…
Rocky Plantation
Managed on behalf of the National Trust, this tiny mixed woodland is the perfect place to indulge in a spot of tree hugging – what’s the oldest tree you can find? Listen out for drumming…