Country Parks

Nottinghamshire County Council’s three Country Parks all have different qualities, but all provide excellent opportunities to find out more about wildlife and to explore the countryside that surrounds them. Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve is a remnant of the ancient oak and birch woodland and heathland that once covered the Sherwood area; Rufford Country Park combines historic ruins and formal gardens with wetland, woodland and grassland areas; whilst Bestwood Country Park is an urban fringe site that reflects much of Nottinghamshire’s past, with natural woodland sitting next to a restored colliery pit tip.

Local Nature Reserves

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are sites that are important for both people and wildlife. They contain natural features that are special within the local context and provide opportunities for environmental education or research and the simple enjoyment of nature by local communities. The special natural features usually relate to wildlife conservation or geology. More information about LNRs can be found on the Natural England website www.naturalengland.org.uk

The preservation of the special features, normally active habitat management, and input by the local community is greatly valued. Often “Friends of” groups undertake voluntary tasks on a particular site, giving you a chance to do your bit. Alternatively you can just use your nearest LNR to visit and enjoy nature close to your home.

We have so far designated seven LNRs. These are:

• Cocklode and Rotary Wood LNR, near Edwinstowe
• Daneshill Lakes LNR, near Ranskill
• Rainworth Water LNR,near Rainworth
• Rufford Country Park LNR, within Rufford CP
• Southwell Trail LNR, linking Southwell, Farnsfield and Bilsthorpe.
• Tippings Wood LNR, between Rainworth and Blidworth
• Teversal and Pleasley Trails LNR (in conjunction with Ashfield DC - part of the site is also designated as a SSSI)

The following link provides further information about our Local Nature Reserves.

Green Estate sites

The County Council is responsible for the management and maintenance of a variety of sites, known collectively as ‘The Green Estate’. These include restored former pit tips, disused railway lines, new and mature woodland, agricultural land and old gravel workings. One of the most important elements of site management is involving local people and communities.

Many of these sites can be used for recreational activities such as cycling, horse riding, walking, or simply enjoying nature, and most have at least part of the site put aside for wildlife. The following link provides further information about of several of our Green Estate sites.

Further afield

Nottinghamshire is crossed by a network of public access routes which allow you to explore the countryside. Many of these cross or pass close to some of our best wildlife sites. You can find out where these are by looking at the Nature on the Map website www.natureonthemap.org.uk (for Sites of Special Scientific Interest) or the Nomad website www.nomadplus.org.uk (for Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation).