Idle Valley Nature Reserve (Notts Wildlife Trust) — Attraction in Bassetlaw

Excellent nature reserve, although a large area will be under threat from INEOS frackers in Misson. The threat of contamination to the water from their fracking fluid is a high possiblity. Not only to the reserve but also to the outlaying population has they have had to drill through one of the UK's largest aquifers supplying water to the majority of South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Apart from that threat, the reserve is one of best in the country for many breeding species of birds and insects. All 5 owl species in the UK breed here too. Although again the noises from the frackers will more than likely stop one of them breeding. The cafe is amazing, really nice staff, lovely freshly baked cakes, pastries, scones and quiches etc as well as the usual cafe fare! Coffees of various varieties, from black, white, frothy, milky etc etc. And teas of many varieties too. A great outdoor seating area where you can sit and have your brew and bun with the dogs. Did I mention the nature reserve is dog friendly? There aren't many of those! Alone with all this, there's great views is the birds on the lake, many dragon and damsel flies in the small ponds along the paths. So in conclusion, a SSSI Nationally if not internationally important nature reserve, one of the best in the country, but for how long no one knows. Depends how things go and if any spills or advised occur at the INEOS Misson Fracking site. Fingers crossed it won't happen however every Well in the USA has failed in some way even if a minor failure. It's time to visit now to just in case! It may be contaminated in a couple of years or the water table fall, no one actually knows what will...

I took a very young family member, we were hunting 'crocodiles' in the puddles, we found lots of tracks to follow & what looked like a crocodile nest! A lovely walk, meeting lovely people & their dogs. My little guest was calling for toads from the side of the pond & to his delight so many came to see him..we are going back in a week to follow the life cycle of the toad, we are hoping for frog spawn. Dogs can be walk around this area on a lead, there are tables outside to sit at to be eith your dog, (Remember not to leave dogs unattended in public places, due to dog theft! (Nor in the car)). Parking is free but a donation of suggested £2 can be made. The cafe & shop are run by lovely staff. Have a lovely day here, the time passes so quickly when you are having fun..and we had so much fun. We spent 4+ hours here. Note some of the paths around this site could prove challenging for a wheelchair, with large muddy puddles it was challenging with a pushchair, we thought worth the challenge & so many birds to see, so many hugs to find!! Have...

I've only given this 3 stars due to the following, I have been here many times as I live local and each year less is done to maintain the actual reserve and all efforts seem to go into the cafe. Only 1 bin on the reserve walk for dog poo, more bins are needed, the only bin is usually overflowing with poo bags which in turn encourages flies, rats etc. Only one bench on the reserve itself, more benches would encourage people to stay longer and bring a picnic. Hedges over grown and only limited viewing areas of the lake, not good for being able to spot the wildlife. No hides on the waters edge, lots of litter in the lake including a shopping trolley, wooden pallets on the far side. Food is very good and fairly priced although more outdoor seeing would be better, more and more cafes allow well behaved dogs in side, this is still very dog and dog owner unfriendly. This place could be a real gem if more effort was put into the reserve by the staff and more encouraging efforts made to attract...