{"id":10616,"date":"2022-02-07T13:01:05","date_gmt":"2022-02-07T12:01:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=66353"},"modified":"2022-02-07T16:04:18","modified_gmt":"2022-02-07T15:04:18","slug":"walk-attenborough-nature-reserve-nottinghamshire","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/walk-attenborough-nature-reserve-nottinghamshire\/","title":{"rendered":"Walk: Attenborough Nature Reserve, Nottinghamshire"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Helen Moat\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 07 February 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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At Attenborough Nature Reserve, hundreds of starlings<\/a> swarm the pale winter sky. They move as one, twisting and turning, rapidly changing direction, yet never break rank. The formation flows like liquid, darkening as the birds cross over each other, then paling again as the birds stretch out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The murmuration is a work of art in the sky, the birds\u2019 swirling movements reminiscent of the practice of t\u2019ai chi. As the sun sets and the starlings drop to the reed beds to roost, you know the spectacle is over.<\/p>\n

\""Birds\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
It is thought starlings gather in large groups for safety, confusing predators such as sparrowhawks\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Visiting Attenborough Nature Reserve<\/h2>\n

Attenborough Nature Reserve<\/a> lies between Derby and Nottingham beside the River Trent and is easily accessed by train, car and bike from both cities. Made up of nine flooded gravel pits, broken up by islands and spits, the reserve is awash with resident and overwintering birds<\/a>. Cattle, little and great egrets have all been spotted at Attenborough, while last winter the attractive Slovenian grebe caused much excitement. But it is the starling murmurations at sunset that steal the show.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Arrive at the reserve a couple of hours before dusk to walk or cycle the Kingfisher Route for an opportunity to see the full cast of winter wildlife.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Attenborough Nature Reserve walk<\/h2>\n

3.8 miles\/5.6km | 2 hours| easy<\/em><\/p>\n

1. Wildfowl island<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the junction of Barton Lane and Church Path, turn left from the car park to cross the bridge to the reserve\u2019s island caf\u00e9, visitor centre and shop. With its ceiling-to-floor glass windows and waterside balcony, it is a superb place to warm up with a hot soup and watch the wildfowl. Returning to the junction, cross over and continue along Church Path between Tween and Church ponds. Take time to observe the water birds from the viewing screen on the path.<\/p>\n

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