Leicestershire and Rutland
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
5.0
Wildland
Varies by reserve
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.0This is a network of wild places rather than one single destination: the Trust manages more than 35 reserves across over 1,300 hectares, spanning habitats from woodland and meadow to wetland and heath.
A useful gateway to a varied network of protected wild places across Leicestershire and Rutland. Its appeal lies in the range of habitats and reserve experiences; choose a specific reserve before setting out, as access and facilities differ between sites.
Peaceful · Wild
Find your way
Open mapLeicestershire and Rutland
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
The Trust’s reserves offer opportunities to explore varied habitats and appreciate wildlife. Choose a particular reserve first, then use its own visitor information to plan a suitable walk or wildlife visit.
Things to do
Explore a Trust nature reserve
Choose from a network of reserves covering woodland, meadows, wetlands and heath. Check the individual reserve page for its location and visitor guidance.
Follow waymarked paths
The Trust asks visitors to stay on waymarked paths to help protect wildlife. Route availability and suitability vary by reserve.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Choose a nearby reserve
- 01
Use the Trust’s reserve directory to select a site and check its visitor information.
- 02
Follow the site’s waymarked paths and stay alert to wildlife.
- 03
Check the individual reserve page for access, facilities and dog rules before setting out.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of a reserve visit
- 01
Choose a reserve with the habitat or wildlife interest you want to explore.
- 02
Check its site page for routes, access, facilities and any visitor guidance.
- 03
Allow time to explore the waymarked paths at a wildlife-friendly pace.
Verified history
The Trust’s reserve directory says it manages more than 35 nature reserves covering over 1,300 hectares. The supplied listing states that the Trust was established in 1956.
When to go
· Check the chosen reserve’s guidance and current wildlife conditions.
The supplied listing identifies spring as a time for wildflowers and returning migratory birds, and autumn for bird migration. These are broad suggestions rather than guarantees for every reserve.
Check the forecast and the chosen reserve’s visitor information before setting out; conditions and path suitability vary by site.
What to look for
Look for the differences between the Trust’s habitat types—woodland, meadow, wetland and heath—and the wildlife each reserve is managed to support. Check the individual reserve page for site-specific species and seasonal highlights.
Best time to go
Varies by reserve and wildlife interest. The supplied listing suggests spring and autumn for flowers and migratory birds; check the chosen reserve for current seasonal highlights.
The supplied listing identifies spring and autumn as good seasons for wildflowers and migratory birds. The best timing depends on the reserve and the wildlife you hope to see; check current site information.
How long to spend
Varies by reserve; check the individual site
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families
Practical information
Opening & access
The Trust manages more than 35 nature reserves, but access, facilities and dog rules vary by site. Check the individual reserve page before travelling, stay on waymarked paths and follow site signage.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking varies by reserve; not all sites have car parks. Check the individual reserve page and follow its parking instructions.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting; facilities vary by reserve.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting; facilities vary by reserve.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dog policies vary: not all reserves allow dogs. The Trust asks that dogs are kept on leads where permitted; check the individual reserve page before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
Accessibility varies by reserve. Check the individual reserve page for accessible trails, toilets and other facilities.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
