Great Merrible Wood
Bluebells, badgers and woodland birds: what more could you want from this beautiful woodland? Adjacent to Eye Brook Reservoir, the reserve is bursting with wildflowers, mammals and birds, and is…
Nature Reserves
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust manages 35 nature reserves covering over 1,200 hectares of rich, diverse and beautiful habitats. From woodland to meadows, wetland to heaths, our nature reserves comprise some of the most important wildlife and geological sites in the counties. As well as containing varied, interesting and even rare wildlife species, our nature reserves are hugely important places for people to visit and enjoy, and appreciate outstanding wildlife. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Explore the interactive map and links below to find out more.
Holwell Reserves
A walk at Holwell Reserves never fails to disappoint. These disused quarries, with a mixture of grassland, woodland, streams, wet woodland and exposed rock faces create a peaceful atmosphere…
Kelham Bridge
This nature reserve may be relatively young, but it is already bursting with life. Just a few miles from Ibstock and Coalville, this is the ideal place to escape the area’s industrial heritage and…
Ketton Quarry
Ketton Quarry is very much still a working limestone site, but parts of the area have been reclaimed by nature. Grassland, scrub and woodland are starting to creep back in, making the most of the…
Launde Woods
Made up of two of the most ancient woodlands in Leicestershire, stepping into Launde Woods is like stepping back in time. Oak, ash, hazel and field maple dominate Big Wood to the west. The…
Lea Meadows
Lea Meadows is a beautiful, diverse and historical nature reserve, teeming with wildflowers and birds. The meeting of meadows, woodland and a meandering stream make for a peaceful, wild experience…
Loughborough Big Meadow
Loughborough Big Meadow is just that – a diverse 45ha site of herbrich hay meadow. The meadow has been used for flooding as long as records exist, and this has led to a beautiful wildflower meadow…
Lucas' Marsh
This wonderful, if tiny, wildlife haven is just a few miles from Leicester City Centre – urban nature brought to life. The diversity of habitats, including a scrubby area for nesting birds, in…
Lyndon Nature Reserve
Home of the iconic Rutland Ospreys, and one half of the beautiful Rutland Water Nature Reserve, Lyndon Nature Reserve lies on the south shore of the reservoir. Enjoy hearing the stories of the…
Merry's Meadows
Merry’s Meadows is one of the most diverse and flower-rich grasslands in Leicestershire and Rutland – a must visit for budding botanists, casual naturalists or anyone wanting to experience the…