Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust starts with Attenborough Nature Reserve

We were formed in the 1960s after fighting to prevent Attenborough Gravel Pits, as they were then known, from being filled with ash from the local coal-fired power station.

In 2020, after caring for and restoring the site for people and nature for over 50 years, we worked together with the local community once more to raise well over one million pounds to purchase and care for Attenborough Nature Reserve.

Today, seven decades on from saving the reserve, we’re asking for you to support our next step towards realising our ambitious vision for Attenborough Nature Reserve.

Restoring access by replacing Works bridge

It starts with restoring a key route through the reserve with the replacement of the “Works” bridge. This pedestrian footpath, cycle path and bridleway enables visitors to enjoy all that this reserve has to offer, creating a circular walk for people to experience the positive impact nature can have on their mental and physical health.

After exhaustive work to identify the best solution to reopen the right of access, we are replacing the bridge with a new, more accessible design. This project is budgeted to cost £375,000, with further ongoing commitments towards its upkeep. To date, we have secured pledges of £90,000 in support and have earmarked a further £85,000 for the project – meaning we need to raise around £200,000 to cover budgeted costs.

We’re seeking support towards this sum from multiple sources, including grant making trusts and are asking if you – the local community that cares for the reserve - can contribute £30,000 towards our challenging target.

Replacing the bridge will require significant investment and if we are unable to raise the funds directly, this project will inevitably impact our ability to deliver other essential work, not only at Attenborough, but also reserves across Nottinghamshire. Any support you can give to “bridge the gap” helps ensure that the Trust is able to continue rising to the challenge in caring for this and other nature reserves across Nottinghamshire. Your support will also ensure we maintain momentum as we work to help wildlife recover and flourish and provide new opportunities for people to connect with nature at this unique site.

Thank you.

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