Nature Spotting: Hedgerow Harvest

Nature Spotting: Hedgerow Harvest is on at Attenborough Nature Reserve on Wednesday 28 October, from 9:45am to 11:45am, with the walk itself setting off at 10am. This month's theme is the hedgerow harvest, so it's all about the berries, seeds, and autumn colours that take over the hedges this time of year.

It's part of a monthly series of Nature Spotting walks run by local nature enthusiasts. They're volunteer-led, informal, and friendly, with the people leading them sharing their knowledge and love of the natural world. Each month has a different theme, so if you're into the outdoors, it's a good way to keep coming back and see something new each time. The walk starts and ends outside the Nature Centre, which has a café, shop, toilet, and baby changing facilities, and an accessible Nature Garden with a Sand Martin bird hide.

The reserve itself has a bit of a story. It was established in 1966 and opened by Sir David Attenborough, who called it one of the best places in the UK to see kingfisher. It's a nationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest, best known for its birds — over 250 species have been recorded here — and it's also home to rarer wildlife like bitterns and otters. Around 500,000 people visit every year, and some families have been coming for three generations. The Nature Centre was later refurbished, and Works Bridge was replaced to restore bridleway access.

It's a free session, though parking fees apply. Those fees are waived for Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust members, Attenborough volunteers, and registered staff. The walk runs from 9:45am to 11:45am, with the actual walk starting at 10am, so you've got a bit of time to arrive and get settled before you set off.