Home / Environment / Attenborough Reserve's Future Secured by £1M Fund
Attenborough Reserve's Future Secured by £1M Fund
22 Oct
Summary
- A £1.133M fundraising drive secured the reserve's future.
- The reserve transformed from a former gravel pit into a wetland haven.
- Over 2,500 wildlife species thrive in the protected habitats.
Sir David Attenborough opened the Nottinghamshire nature reserve on April 30, 1966. More than 50 years later, in late 2019, a fundraising appeal was launched to ensure its continued protection. The Attenborough Lifeline Appeal successfully raised £1,133,000 in less than three months, exceeding its initial £1 million target. This crucial funding enabled Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust to acquire the 220-hectare site from CEMEX UK by December 15, 2020, solidifying its status as a wildlife sanctuary.
The reserve's landscape has a unique history, evolving from former sand and gravel extraction sites. Industrial extraction left behind flooded pits and islands, which conservationists worked to preserve. Instead of being filled with industrial ash, the area was designated Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust's first managed nature reserve in 1966. This partnership saw the land restored into valuable wetlands and diverse habitats.
Today, the 220-hectare Attenborough Nature Reserve is renowned for its wetlands, meadows, and woodland, supporting an impressive array of wildlife. The Trust reports over 250 bird species have been observed, alongside approximately 2,500 species in total across birds, mammals, insects, and plants. Plans are underway for long-term upgrades, including bridge demolition and rebuilding, with additional funding secured for the on-site Nature Centre.
