Photo © Tim Sexton
Our Vision for Idle Valley Nature Reserve
About Idle Valley Nature Reserve
The reserve is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its importance for wild birds, and is one of the largest nature conservation sites in the county. The Idle Valley landscape is much altered by humans, but remains relatively rich in wildlife, with huge untapped potential for the restoration of nature. With the River Idle forming a natural boundary, the reserve is a valuable, nationally recognised wildlife haven and a key destination for migratory birds. With its vast open skies, diverse habitats and abundant wildlife, Idle Valley Nature Reserve is a magnificent destination to surround yourself with the natural world. It can be a place for discovery and adventure or a place to enjoy near silence, solitude and relaxation.
Building on past success
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has been working and investing in the wider Idle Valley area for over 30 years. Our nature reserve in the heart of the valley is the largest in our care. We work closely with farmers and other landowners to deliver improvements for wildlife across the neighbouring landscape. The past decade has seen significant investment with the purchase of the reserve, development of livestock facilities, as well as the café and shop. But our ambition is to make the reserve wilder through an exciting new phase of investment which will demonstrate that by working with natural processes and with partners, Idle Valley Nature Reserve can be a vital part of the UK Nature Recovery Network and act as a catalyst for the restoration of nature across the wider valley.
Our Big Ambitions
Now more than ever we need to reconnect with the natural world. We must help nature flourish and provide people and communities with new opportunities and experiences to connect with the living world. Idle Valley Nature Reserve provides exciting prospects for the future and we have set out three main ambitions.
Photo © Jim Connolly Photography
Create a wildlife-rich landscape for the future
...establishing an environment and legacy which protects and reconnects habitats, allows native species to flourish, supports the reintroduction of lost species and acts as a beacon as we seek to restore 30% of land for nature across the UK by 2030.
Building on our experience across the county we will identify key opportunities to enhance the site’s biodiversity and make it more self-sustaining: including opportunities to embrace natural processes to make the reserve ‘wilder’ – starting with the reintroduction of beavers, a different regime of grazing management and installation of water level controls.
We will engage further with site users, local ecologists and national experts to inform key decisions about the site’s future management.
Photo by Darin Smith
A new wildlife monitoring plan, focused on indicator species, will measure the impact of these changes. Monitoring will identify where vulnerable species such as otter, bittern, turtle dove and nightingale will be given further opportunity to thrive.
Provide a wilder, more welcoming destination
...that supports a sustainable future for both the reserve and local communities and inspires more people to take action for nature.
Working closely with our partners to unlock the potential of nature tourism we aim to put the reserve on the map as a nationally recognised gateway to nature.
An exciting new programme of events and engagement activities will be developed, embracing the reserve’s scale and taking inspiration from the natural and cultural heritage of the wider valley. The programme will encompass wider environmental themes including solutions to climate change and will seek to inspire people to take action for nature in their own lives.
Making the site easier to find and improving navigation will be key to ensuring visitors can confidently explore more distant areas of the reserve. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff and volunteers will provide a warm welcome to visitors. High-quality digital resources, printed materials and accessible viewing points will further enhance people’s experience and deepen their connection to nature.
Photo by Emma Osborne
Be part of the community
...by involving the community in shaping the future of and caring for this special site, we hope to engender a sense of value and support whilst enriching the lives, health and wellbeing of local people.
The Wilder Idle transformation will be achieved through a plan informed by and clearly communicated to local stakeholders. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust will establish long-term partnerships with local organisations, residents and landowners to ensure local people have an active role.
Idle Valley scything
A long-term sustainability plan will identify new opportunities to embrace more natural management by animals with less intervention by people, increased local volunteering and engagement, partnership with neighbouring landowners and the expansion of trading and tourism.
Volunteers, local residents, young people and representatives from partner organisations will help shape decisions alongside the Trust and external conservation and land management experts. The Wilder Idle volunteering offer will be for all ages and backgrounds with a suite of exciting and fully supported opportunities and roles.