Located in Nottinghamshire, Attenborough Nature Reserve is an excellent wetland habitat formed from former gravel pits. Over decades it has grown into one of the most significant nature conservation sites in the East Midlands, particularly famed for hosting one of the region’s largest heronries. With over 40 nests currently established on the site, it is a great hub of activity during the breeding season.
The reserve features a well-maintained trail system and a network of rivers that attract a wide variety of waterbirds. During a recent visit, the water was alive with geese, ducks, swans, and, predictably, a significant number of Grey Herons.
The Heronry and Seasonal Timing
For those specifically looking to photograph herons, timing is everything. Visiting in February and March is ideal for capturing courtship and nest-building behaviours. This is the peak period for “stick-carrying” shots as the adults busily reinforce their tree-top platforms.
As the season progresses into April and May, the focus shifts to the chicks hatching, making it the best time for action photography as parents fly back and forth with food.
Key Species
Beyond the herons, the reserve is home to several other notable species throughout the year:
- Kingfishers - regularly seen along the river channels and around the dedicated Kingfisher Hide
- Great White Egrets and Little Egrets - frequently spotted wading in the shallows
- Cormorants - a familiar sight on open water, often seen drying their wings on exposed posts and branches
- Various Warblers - Reed and Sedge Warblers are reliable during the summer months
- Woodland Birds - the trails through wooded sections hold Treecreepers, Nuthatches, and a variety of tits
- Bitterns - elusive during winter months, best located by listening for their distinctive booming call
Hides and Viewing Stations
The reserve is well equipped with several hides and viewing screens, making it easy to get close to the wildlife without causing disturbance:
- The Tower Hide - offers elevated views across open water and reed beds, excellent for scanning large flocks
- The Kingfisher Hide - dedicated to spotting Kingfishers at close range, often with clear sightlines to regular perches
- Sand Martin Hide - located behind the visitor centre, providing a front-row seat to the nesting banks during spring and summer
- Viewing Screens - multiple screens positioned around the reserve, including those overlooking the southern areas and Tween Pond, are excellent for scanning the water
Photography Experience
While the large waterbirds are a major draw, the trails offer fantastic opportunities for woodland bird photography. Throughout the reserve there are small spots where seeds gather along the fence lines, reliably attracting small birds.
Using the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, it is possible to achieve significant image compression that isolates the subject perfectly against a clean background. One effective technique was leaning the camera against the fence line and simply waiting for small woodland birds to sweep down and feed. Species such as European Robin, Dunnock, Blue Tit, and Chaffinch are all reliably found along these sections. This patient approach consistently produced clean, intimate portraits with the background completely out of focus.
Practical Information
The reserve opens at 09:00, and the visitor centre provides a great base for the trip. Inside you will find a shop for souvenirs and refreshments, as well as an indoor viewing area overlooking the water.
- Location: The trails are easily accessible directly from the main parking area
- Entry: Free to enter the nature reserve
- Parking: £5.00 all-day rate - charges support the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
- Best months: February–March for courtship; April–May for chick activity; winter for Bitterns
