Visit our nature reserves

We look after some of the country's most important and interesting natural habitats. Discover fascinating wildlife, rare plants and flowers in our landscapes. Whether you're walking with the family, hiking with friends or finding a spot to sit and take it all in, these are unique places to visit for anyone with an interest in the natural world.

To celebrate Natural England's Festival of National Nature Reserves (NNRs), many of the nature reserves in our care are hosting events and activities. Find out more about the festival at the bottom of the page.

Grey seal and pup at Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Norfolk

Blakeney Nature Reserve, Norfolk 

At the heart of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Blakeney National Nature Reserve boasts wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the coastline. It's also home to the largest seal colony in England.

Visit Blakeney Nature Reserve
Rock formation on Bridestones Moor, Yorkshire

Bridestones, Crosscliff and Blakey Topping, Yorkshire 

A 300-acre nature reserve, Bridestones is home to many animal and plant species. Look out for mosses, lichens, heathers, sundews and even adders basking in the early morning sun. On Blakey Topping you might spot the white flowers of the rare dwarf cornel.

Explore Bridestones
Footpath and bench at Lizard Point, Cornwall

Lizard National Nature Reserve, Cornwall 

Famous for its unusual plants and geology, a walk through the grassland and heathland of the Lizard National Nature Reserve is a journey worth making. Look out for wild asparagus, native heathers and many varieties of clover. Listen out for Cornish choughs and keep your eyes peeled for stonechats and peregrines as well as dragonflies, toads, adders and even lizards.

Visit Lizard National Nature Reserve
View of the Mourne Mountains across the sand dunes at Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down, Northern Ireland

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down 

Walk through woodland and on boardwalks over the dunes on the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains at Murlough National Nature Reserve. It's one of the best examples of dune heath within Ireland with over 600 species of butterflies and moths, including the rare marsh fritillary butterfly.

Visit Murlough National Nature Reserve
Swans and cygnet glide along the creek at Newton National Nature Reserve

Newtown National Nature Reserve, Hampshire 

See flower-rich hay meadows and ancient woodlands, home to rare butterflies and red squirrels, at Newtown National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Wight. Enjoy views over salt marshes and the clear waters of the harbour, alive with sea birds. You can also explore from the water and look out for the plentiful wetland wildlife.

Visit Newtown National Nature Reserve
Species-rich grassland at Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve, Cumbria

Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve, Cumbria 

An unusual sandy estuary in the Lake District with panoramic views of the mountains. The dune grasslands are home to rare plants such as the dune helleborine as well as one fifth of the national population of natterjack toads.

Visit Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve
Wicken Fen - Konik Wicken Fen - Konik ponies and horses

Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire 

Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire is the oldest nature reserve in our care. Take a stroll through this rare landscape made up of lush grasses, peaceful waters, reedbeds and flowering meadows. These wetlands are home to thousands of plants and animals. Look out for Konik ponies, water voles and hen harriers.

Wicken Fen Nature Reserve
Barn owl in flight at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire

Celebrating National Nature Reserves  

We're excited to be part of the Festival of National Nature Reserves (NNRs) organised by Natural England to mark the 70th anniversary of the UK's first NNR. The festival runs until October, and you'll be able to enjoy a variety of activities at nature reserves near you.

Find an NNR Festival event near you