Type of Website: Nature Reserve

Earth Trust

'The Reserve has a network of around 8 miles of footpaths marked by colour – banded posts ... The Woodland and Fisherman’s Path are also accessible by bike, pushchairs and wheelchairs. '

Natural England

Formby [National Trust]

'An 80 hectare, Green Flag Award and Green Heritage winning landscaped park in the Borough of Haringey in north London. It was declared a Local Nature Reserve in 2013, and is also a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade 1.'

Friends of Alexandra Park and Wikipedia

'There are paths across the reserve and to the beach. Combine this with a trip to the Farnes from Seahouses to make an exciting day out!'

Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Reed Bed Boardwalk  'This SSSI reed bed (designated Site of Special Scientific Interest) is a one of the largest in Sussex. Reed beds are a priority habitat for nature conservation in the UK and WWT are working hard to restore and maintain this vital habitat for wildlife ...'

'Ashford Green Corridor is a green space that runs through the town of Ashford in Kent, England. The Green Corridor is made up of parks, recreation grounds and other green spaces alongside the rivers that flow through Ashford.'

Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership

'Aston Rowant Nature Reserve is located on the western escarpment of the Chiltern Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The reserve is in several sections, mostly in the parishes of Aston Rowant and Lewknor in Oxfordshire, with smaller sections in the parish of Stokenchurch in Buckinghamshire ... Information leaflets are available at the site and there are some waymarked trails, including two easy access trails (Aston Rowant and Linky Down Walks for All).'

Aston Rowant NNR, South Oxfordshire [Oxford Conservation Volunteers]

'This site of special scientific interest (SSSI) is one of the most important sites for conservation in the East Midlands. In 1929 sand and gravel extraction began, providing materials and infrastructure in the Nottingham area.  After a period of restoration the now water-filled pits and islands provide food, shelter and freedom from disturbance for many species of wildlife.'

'If you fancy getting away from it all, Barr Beacon might be just the nature reserve for you. Its only 3 miles from Walsall town centre, and it's one of the highest points in the West Midlands. It offers spectacular panoramic views, and from the top you can see surrounding landmarks including the Wrekin, Cannock Chase, Lichfield Cathedral, Birmingham City Centre, and the Lickey Hills. It's the high-point of the Beacon Way and a favourite walking spot for locals ...'

Walsall Council

'211 hectares (520 acres) of ancient woodland in Cambridgeshire, in the United Kingdom. It is a national nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest owned and managed by the Forestry Commission.'

Wikipedia

'Ben Lawers is Scotland's tenth highest Munro and the central Highlands' highest mountain, stretching 1,214m (3,984ft) above Loch Tay. Make it to the summit and you'll be rewarded with magnificent views of Ben Lomond and Glencoe to the west, and the Cairngorms to the north. It's part of the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, which encompasses nine mountains within the southern slopes of the Ben Lawers and Tarmachan ranges, seven of which are Munros. The area attracts walkers and climbers of all levels, who are drawn to the varied and scenic routes available.'

National Trust for Scotland

Bentley Prior Nature Reserve 'is open all year round and welcomes all visitors, human and wild. All types of visitors will find something to interest them here ...'

Harrow Nature Conservation Forum

'The nature reserve has an Education Centre and a trail guide and toilets for visitors. Eight kilometres of rolled gravel paths give access around the site suitable for all season use by mobility scooters, pushchairs and more robust wheelchairs. Two "Tramper" mobility scooters are available to borrow by prior arrangement.'

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

'Located between Blyth and the county boundary at Seaton Sluice, the 5km of bays, links and foreshore offer something for everyone who wants to visit the beautiful Northumberland coast. A bay of golden sand, dunes and rock pools to explore, and the chance to spot some spectacular wildlife along the coastline.'

Northumberland County Council

'The "Bogs of Ballymoney" booklet is part of the Bogs of Ballymoney Project which includes new footpath, interpretation and infrastructure works on the Croaghan Way ... This guide will introduce you to the fantastic bog land resource that exists within the Ballymoney area, highlighting the areas where you can experience this first hand and the species you might see there ... Only two of the sites mentioned are publicly accessible: [1] Garry Bog - - - : [2] Slieveanorra and Croaghan.

'An ancient landscape alive with the sights and sounds of wildlife. This grazing marsh has played a vital role in the lives of people and wildlife for centuries. Now, after careful restoration, it's ready and waiting for you to explore and enjoy. There are 4 miles (6 km) of nature trails for you to explore on foot, three viewing points and two picnic areas.'

RSPB

'Charming ancient woodland, diverse wildlife and rich history make Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve (NNR) a truly magnificent place to be. As Hertfordshire’s only NNR, Broxbourne Woods is a very large area of sessile oak and hornbeam woodland at the northern most part of its natural range.'

Hertfordshire County Council and Woodland Trust

'A rugged and beautiful destination offering open space and tranquil wildlife watching. Wander through wildflower meadows spotting orchids, butterflies and dragonflies, or see our winter migration spectacle.'

'Located on the edge of Durham’s urban fringe, Castle Eden Dene is home to an extraordinary variety of birds, more than 450 species of plants, and some of our favourite mammals, such as roe deer and fox. The Reserve is a magical place full of legend and folklore, which has been left to spread and sprawl through this deep gorge for over 10,000 years. It’s now the largest area of semi-natural woodland in north-east England and is famous for its majestic yew trees and fantastic stands of ancient oak and ash.'

Natural England

'Our self-guided walking trials include the Woodland Walk and Sustainability Trail. Look out for wild birds and learn about local ecology.'

''Features of the gorges include: Well surfaced paths but some steep inclines; A variety of habitats, including grassland, meadow, ponds and woodland; A variety of plants and wildlife, including orchid, bats, newts and glow worms; Picnic areas at Warren Gorge set within meadows and beside lakes.'

'Chailey Common is one of the largest heathland commons in the South of England, covering 450 acres and was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 1966. It has also been made a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its heathland plants and diverse insect and bird communities ... Chailey Common is open access land, but to minimise disturbance to wildlife it is better to keep to the footpaths. Leaflets on self-guided walks around the Common are available from East Sussex County Council ... '

East Sussex County Council

'This 16 hectare (39 acre) site runs along the eastern banks of the River Chelmer for approximately 2.5km from Valley Bridge down to Victoria Road.'

Visit Chelmsford

'Offers a remote landscape with open horizons and skies - ideal for long summer walks and attracting spectacular numbers of wintering waders. A number of trails at varied lengths afford great views over the pools, the wildlife, and the River Thames running alongside.'

RSPB

'There’s a network of pushchair-friendly trails with viewpoints and hides to make the most of your visit and plenty of information to explain what you're watching. Perhaps you’ll meet one of our friendly volunteer wildlife guides who can help you discover just a little bit more?'

RSPB

'This is a delightful oak woodland to walk through – especially in spring and early summer when lots of migrating birds come to breed at the reserve. Birds you may see on the steep valley sides include flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers. There are a wide variety of butterflies to spot too. In winter, redwings, fieldfares and winter finches are regular visitors. There's a fascinating nature trail here so the reserve is a good place for people of all ages to get closer to nature, although the footpaths are steep in places.'

RSPB

'A small oasis within an industrialised urban environment, providing a unique opportunity to escape city life and enjoy one of the last remaining areas of grazing marsh within the Greater London area ... The nature reserve is accessed via a number of public footpaths from Eastern Way (A2016), Norman Road and Belvedere Road, as well as the Thames Pathway which runs north across the Reserve.'

Thames Water

'Truly get away from it all at this remote and unspoilt reserve. Come during the winter and you'll see seaducks feeding offshore, while from late summer to late spring, large numbers of bar-tailed godwits, oystercatchers and knots flock at high tide. Look out for our small flock of wintering brent geese.  Under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code you have the right to responsible access. Please avoid disturbing feeding and roosting wading birds along the shoreline. Thank you.'

RSPB

Culbin Sands, Forest and Findhorn Bay [Wikipedia]

'The Glen is in the heart of Cumbernauld. It is a valuable area of woodland which provides much needed recreational space for the townspeople. Split into two areas, Cumbernauld Glen and the Vault Glen are both abundant in native flora and fauna.'

Friends of Cumbernauld House Park

Cumbernauld Glen [Scottish Wildlife Trust]

'Local Nature Reserves are vital to the health and wellbeing of Darlington's wildlife and the many hundreds of people who visit them during the year. The Council's Countryside Team currently manage all the wildlife areas in the Darlington Borough. These areas offer visitors an insight into nature wildlife with nature trails, educational visits, viewing platforms, information boards, jettys and artwork.'

Parks and Green Spaces [Darlington Borough Council]

'An area of grassland, sand dunes, mudflats and centres on a 1½ mile long sandspit/beach across the mouth of the Exe Estuary ... it is one of the most important places for wildfowl and wading birds in the whole of the South West.  Thousands of birds come to feed, on migration, or to spend the winter here. The dunes and grassland have a host of special plants. Over 600 different types of flowering plants have been recorded on the Warren. This varied Reserve has many different habitats including salt marsh, fresh water ponds, wet meadows and woodland.'

South West Coast Path

'If you haven't been to Dungeness, nothing can quite prepare you for the landscape – mile after mile of shingle, which is wild and a little weird! On a cold winter's day, it is a delight to sit snug in the visitor centre and look out through a huge picture window at all the waterbirds on the large gravel pit just outside. Often a rare grebe or diver is among them, and it is perhaps the best place in the UK for watching the delightful smew.'

RSPB

'A large reserve with developing wildlife interest, comprising two large lakes with fringing reedbeds, grassland and recently planted woodland ...There is a network of designated routes on site and there are several hides dotted around the lakes. All footpaths are level, well-surfaced and usually over 100cm wide. There is a wide section of boardwalk outside one of the hides, leading to a wider viewing platform over a pond. The woodland walk is over a wide, level gravelled path and the coastal path is gained through a wide latch gate.'

Northumberland Wildlife Trust

'An oasis of wildlife close to the heart of Ballymena town centre. Eight kilometres of mostly flat footpath gently lead visitors around 220 acres of parkland that includes maturing woodland, peaceful lake and ponds, grazed meadows and hay meadows. Most of the park is managed by The Ulster Wildlife Trust in a way that give wildlife the best possible chance to thrive.'

Mid & East Antrim Borough Council

'The three main trails take you through a variety of habitats allowing stunning views of birds such as willow tits and tree sparrows in the woodland, and lapwings, snipe and redshanks in the wet grassland. In winter Fairburn hosts an array of swans, ducks and geese on the main lake, so there is something to see whatever the season.'

RSPB

'There's always something to see or hear when looking out over the reedbeds of Far Ings, whether it's the sound of the reeds as they sway in a gentle breeze, the song of hidden warblers or bearded tits, the eerie boom of a bittern, or a marsh harrier drifting over then disappearing into the reedbed ...'

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

'The Farne Islands are one of the natural highlights of the Northumbrian coast. Famed for providing sanctuary to St Cuthbert in the 7th century, Inner Farne is now renowned as a summer haven for nesting sea birds. For a unique wildlife experience, visit between April and July, or explore a more tranquil, historic island after the breeding season finishes.'

National Trust

Opened 2018: ‘The reserve is approximate 90 acres with lots of protected wildlife including rare birds and deer ... complementing the Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ... The scenic Nature Reserve is now open to both our guests and to the general public’.

Pure Leisure

'Straddling the English border, near Whitchurch in Shropshire and Wrexham in Wales, lies one of the biggest and best raised bogs in Britain. Its astonishingly varied wildlife makes it a place of international importance.'

Natural England

Fenn’s & Whixall Mosses National Nature Reserve - History Trail Leaflet [Natural England] (PDF)

'Beryl Leatherland, keen walker and member of the Fife Access Forum, has collated some walks related to the Fife Core Path Network ... Also ... we have various walk leaflets/publications produced by local groups for you to download.'

Fife Access Forum

'As the largest of the RSPB reserves, we manage a vast peatland landscape which visitors can experience by exploring one of our two self-guided trails or joining one of our guided walks. The new Flows Lookout Tower gives a unique perspective of the pool system on our Dubh Lochan Trail, which is a classic example of the type of pools that are found throughout the Flow Country.'

RSPB

'From Waterside you can follow the Dune Trail to explore the Ythan estuary, the dunes and beach ... From the Visitor Centre the Heath Trail takes you round the northern section of the Reserve ... The wonderful hidden Hackley Bay makes an enjoyable short extension to either of the two way marked trails ... The routes can be combined to create a much longer route for those looking for a full day's walk.'

Scotland's National Nature Reserves

Leicestershire & Rutland Ornithological Society

RSPB

'Did you know there are over 20 countryside sites in Gateshead including ancient meadows and woodlands? There are also new sites reclaimed form the ashes of our industrial past and sites that are important in the story of Gateshead. Find out where these sites are and what you can do when you get there ...'

Gateshead Council

'Set in the beautiful North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Geltsdale is home to black grouse, birds of prey and breeding wading birds and is ideal for walking ...'

RSPB

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve [tripadvisor]

'Visit our fabulous flagship nature reserve - the farm time forgot! ... Follow the walking trails through meadows peppered with anthills, look out over the valley with its glorious views and spot a dipper on the River Marteg as it tumbles down through the reserve and over the waterfalls ...'

Radnorshire Wildlife Trust

'Following the purchase of the former RAF Greenham Common Airbase in 1997, 750-acres were immediately transferred to the control of the local council to be restored as common land ... Greenham Common was reopened with unrestricted public access in 2000, providing a natural resource of national importance.'

Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust

'A public footpath runs from the Forestry Commission car park through the northern edge of the Reserve as far as the MoD firing range, and northwards leaving the reserve and entering West Wood for a round trip back to the car park. The path is steep, rocky, and extremely narrow in places.'

Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Harbottle Crag [My Pennines]

'Hartlepool Borough Council manages a total of 150.2 ha of LNRs spread across 6 sites ... The wilder places to visit around Hartlepool are detailed ...'

Hartlepool Borough Council

'Mixed terrain with three marked walking trails. Trail one is accessible for those with limited mobility around the top of the Fell.'

Durham Wildlife Trust

'Hengistbury Head is a dramatic headland in Bournemouth situated to the south of Christchurch Harbour. It is an outstanding site for wildlife and archaeology and offers beautiful beaches and views across the New Forest, Isle of Wight and Purbecks ... '

Visit Hengistbury Head

'The Islands are cut off from the mainland by the tide for up to 5 hours out of every 12 hours. When planning your journey you must find out the time of high water and allow sufficient time to complete your visit to the islands and your return journey to West Kirby safely. It is possible to visit the islands over high water, in which case allow for a stay of at least 5 hours whilst the tide is in, or alternatively, you can walk there and back over one low water period.'

The Friends of Hilbre

'England's largest national nature reserve ... managed by Natural England with the cooperation of the Holkham Estate.'

Wikipedia

Holkham National Nature Reserve [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]

'A large area of heathland, grassland and woodland with many areas being restored to heathland ... Hook Common and Bartley Heath are open access land, a number of public Rights of Way and many informal paths cross the site.'

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

'If it's wild and wonderful on St. Agnes, Bryher, St. Martin's or St. Mary's it is probably cared for by The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust ... '

'An internationally important wetland nature reserve in West London.'  The Friends of Kempton membership scheme 'enables members to access the reserve's wildlife protected area. This protected area has two bird hides, a wader scrapes, islands, and a boardwalk providing ideal wildlife watching opportunities'.

Thames Water

'This NNR is one of Wales' top sand-dune reserves, with all the special plants, birds and insects that depend on this type of coastal habitat for their survival. Situated on the edge of the reserve is Kenfig Pool, Glamorgan's largest lake. The rest of the Reserve consists of a large expanse of sand dunes which lead to the coast and Sker Point, with lovely views across Swansea Bay to the Gower. On the western side of the Reserve is the stark horizon of Port Talbot's industrial area and steelworks - a strange contrast that only serves to highlight the wild beauty of the Reserve itself.'

First-Nature.com

'Langdyke Countryside Trust is a voluntary nature-loving organisation working to make a difference to the environmental and cultural heritage around Peterborough and Stamford – the area so loved by peasant poet John Clare ... There are many wonderful walks in the Langdyke area. In the East the countryside is generally flat and the going is easy. In the South and the West the landscape is gently undulating and stone built villages remind one of the Cotswolds.'

'The Reserve has a relaxing atmosphere with good level paths and you can enjoy watching wildfowl from five hides overlooking the lakes. You may even see some rarities, such as osprey. Residents include kingfisher, water rail and gadwall. In spring watch for great-crested grebes shaking their heads in courtship. Reed warbler, waders and terns drop in on their summer migration. As winter advances shoveler and wigeon join the other ducks present all year round and occasionally the endangered and secretive bittern pays a visit.'

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

'Choose from a selection of trails and hides, most of which are suitable for wheelchairs, and get right to the heart of the reedbed. Or take the nature trail alongside two coastal lagoons to see lots of wading and water birds ...'

RSPB

'The reserves occupy a 26-acre site and are a mixture of meadows, hedges, and woodland copses and also boast a wetland area with a number of ponds and small pools, an orchard, a wildflower meadow and a butterfly garden. The reserves are managed in such a way as to gain maximum benefit for the flora and fauna, with increased biodiversity very much in mind.'

Lingfield Nature Reserves

'Mosaic of lakes, scrapes, pools, streams and lagoons adjoining the salt marshes and shore of the scenic Burry Inlet. The range of habitats makes the 450 acre site a refuge for many different plants and animals with tens of thousands of migratory birds visiting every year.'

'Set on the southern shore of the loch, RSPB Loch Leven nature reserve offers a great day out for families, nature lovers and wildlife watchers alike. Formerly known as Vane Farm, we bought this reserve in 1967 as a centre for environmental education and it is still a fantastic place for children to explore and discover nature today ...'

RSPB

'Whatever time of year you come, make sure you experience the excellent views from the three hides – you're just as likely to see otters, red squirrels and deer as wildfowl, not to mention many species of butterflies and dragonflies too ...'

RSPB

'London Wetland Centre is an idyllic spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the City for a walk or to indulge in an afternoon of bird watching from one of our six hides. The reserve is easily accessible with pathways and bridges among the pools, meadows and gardens ...'

'There is a marked trail around the island that takes in the site of a Benedictine chapel built in 1139 at the highest point (47 m). Legend says that Joseph of Arimathea came here ... Please note that visits can only be made on official organised trips.'

Cornwall Wildlife Trust

'Test Way public footpath crosses the reserve with sections of boardwalk. Permissive path leads to bird viewing screens and hide in South. Please keep to the path to avoid disturbance to wildlife. Please check the tide times as the reserve is not accessible at high tide.'

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

[1] Coastal Walk  'The footpath along the coast is the Solent Way which starts at Milford on Sea. The distance from Keyhaven to where the Lymington Yacht Clubs are, is 4.9 miles and will take about 2hrs to walk' - - - : [2] Circular Routes  'Most of the footpaths are wide and flat with a gravel surface. The only gradient is normally where you walk from inland up to the sea wall (coastal path).'

lymington.com

Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes [Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust]

'There's a wonderful world of wildlife right on your doorstep just waiting to be discovered. All you need to do is look! A good place to start would be the protected lands of Local Nature Reserves and Parks. They are already well geared up for visitors with designated footpaths, cycle ways and bridle paths in abundance ... 'Mansfield has more than 600 acres of parks and open spaces including award winning parks, play areas, allotments, local nature reserves, sports facilities, walks and trails.'

Mansfield District Council

'Bring your wellies and explore a hidden gem of wetland habitat at the NEW Wild Walk – meander through the muddy meadow, wander in the wet woods and get lost in a reedy ramble spotting wildlife and giant sculptures ...'

'Merrions Wood is a wonderful oak and beech woodland 3 miles from Walsall town centre. Most people, when they visit for the first time, are amazed that this secret woodland is there, tucked away with its beautiful but unassuming entrance next to the historic Merrions Wood Lodge ...  A walk up the main path (which is actually part of the Beacon Way national trail) will amaze you at all times of the year, as the canopy of leaves and branches above form a natural cathedral.'

The Friends of Merrions Wood

'Discover the breathtaking scenery and wildlife that's typical of this region. Stroll along the nature trails and use the viewing hides to explore at your own pace ... Coastal trail 2.4 miles and shorter wetland trail 1.2 miles.'

RSPB

'We have declared a number of sites in Merton as local nature reserves (LNRs). We work with English Nature to select sites, and tend to focus on land recognised as being of importance for nature conservation interest, with open access for the public and either existing or potential value for environmental education.'

Merton Council

'Discover some of the UK's rarest wildlife and enjoy family-friendly activities at Minsmere. Choose an idyllic walk or head to the coastal lagoons to see an impressive variety of birds, including avocets, bearded tits and bitterns. If you're lucky, you might see an otter around the reedbed pools.'

RSPB

'Comprises almost 200 acres of woodland, meadows, lakes and ponds and is home to many diverse species of plants, animals, birds and other wildlife. The nature reserve is well known for its varied bird life and many interesting birds can be found either as year-round residents or seasonal visitors ...'

RSPB Liverpool Local Group

'Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland's first Nature Reserve since 1967. It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains.'

National Trust

'We welcome visitors to our National Nature Reserves (NNRs) because we want people to appreciate these wonderful places. The Reserves are scattered throughout England, from Lindisfarne in Northumberland to The Lizard in Cornwall. All ages are welcome and entry is free!'

Natural England

List of Local Nature Reserves in England

'Wales has more nature reserves per head of population than any other major European country. There are five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, three National Parks, 74 National Nature Reserves and hundreds more Local Nature Reserves, Wildlife Trust and RSPB Reserves etc each protecting unique habitats and the wildlife that depend on them.'

First-Nature.com

'London may be a big city but there are plenty of green, open spaces where you can see an abundance of wildlife or enjoy a range of sporting activities ... Enjoy a day out in London's great outdoors at one of the beautiful nature reserves and woodlands.'

London Wildlife Trust

'One of the largest and finest dune systems in Britain. The dunes, coastal marshes, sandy and rocky shores have been shaped over thousands of years by the wind and sea and are home to a dazzling array of plants and animals. Newborough Warren and Ynys Llanddwyn was declared the first coastal National Nature Reserve in Wales in 1955.'

Natural Resources Wales

'Reaching over 76 metres above the sea, these dramatic cliffs house Orkney's largest seabird colony. Once seen, it's never forgotten!'

RSPB

'Chevin Forest Park Local Nature Reserve is located in the Wharfe Valley and overlooks the market town of Otley. The reserve consists of north-facing escarpment, which has a mixed cover of woodland, meadow and heathland and covers an area of some 180 hectares. Massive outcrops of millstone grit dominate the crest of the escarpment, which rises steeply to a height of 280m above sea level, and offers magnificent views of the Wharfe Valley.'

Friends of Chevin Forest

'PDFs outlining a number of suggested trails are available to download ... However the network of paths around the reserve is easy to follow, with little difficult terrain so visitors are encouraged to explore at their own leisure.'

'Officially one of the finest parks in the country, after receiving a sought after Green Flag award ... Green Flag Awards recognise and reward the best parks in the country. The Reserve is the first open space in Harlow to be put forward and accepted for this status.'

'75 hectares of lakes, meadow, grassland, scrub and woodland next to the River Great Ouse where you can enjoy a wealth of wildlife all year round.'

Paxton Pits Nature Reserve

'Nature paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs will wind you around a stunning, safe wetland habitat littered with pockets of woodland and wildflower meadows, and the friendly Kingfisher Tearooms is a great place to you recharge with friends and family.'

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

'One of very few ancient landscapes remaining in London, these medieval marshes right next to the River Thames were closed to the public for over 100 years and used as a military firing range. We managed to acquire the site in 2000 and set about transforming it into an important place for nature and a great place for people to visit. Now you can expect to see breeding wading birds in spring and summer, and large flocks of wild ducks in winter. Birds of prey and rare birds are regularly seen too. There are also water voles in the ditches and rare dragonflies flit across the boardwalks.'

RSPB

'Rowhill Nature Reserve covers 55 acres and was once part of a private estate which produced timber and bricks. Signs of both of these old industries are still in evidence ... There are paths throughout the Reserve and in addition there is a trail for people with special needs ... The Blackwater Valley Path starts in the Reserve.'

'This large area of land is a mosaic of habitats beside the sea with shingle, saltmarsh, sand dunes, rivers, pits, grazing marsh, reedbeds and farmland. Full of wildlife for you to discover with a network of footpaths and 5 birdwatching hides with easy access.'

'Saltburn Gill is a 52 acre woodland nature reserve nestling in the shadow of Saltburn by the Sea, where drifts of Wild Garlic and Bluebells herald the arrival of Spring and where sightings of Roe deer are always a possibility.'

Saltburnbythesea.com

Saltburn Gill [Tees Valley Wildlife Trust]

'Lady Dudley planted Saltwells Wood in the eighteenth century to hide the scars of coal mining. The descendants of the Oak and Beech still survive and are home to many species of woodland bird, such as Treecreeper, Jay and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Wild Garlic and Anemones are found in the wood together with carpets of Bluebells.'

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

'Explore the sandy estuary of the River Duddon with the backdrop of Lake District mountains in this National Trust run nature reserve in Cumbria ... The reserve is located just a few miles north of Barrow-in-Furness on the Cumbria Coastal Way. If you have time you could continue your walk along this super walkway north to Askam-in-Furness or south to Barrow-in-Furness.

GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

'Local Nature Reserves are for both people and wildlife. They are special places for wildlife and give people the chance to get close to nature, and increase their enjoyment and understanding of the natural world.'

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

'Be inspired by the magic and beauty of Scotland's National Nature Reserves. These Reserves help protect an amazing range of wildlife and landscapes and each one is waiting to be discovered by you.'