Attenborough Nature Centre, Nottingham

Just four miles west of Nottingham city centre, a complex of flooded former gravel pits and islands was transformed into this nature reserve in 1966 and opened by Sir David Attenborough, below.

Best known for its birds, the 226 hectares of lakes, wetland, grassland and scrub are an important site for winter wildfowl. There are four bird hides as well as nature trails including the wheelchair-friendly Kingfisher route.

■■ A £3 donation for all-day parking. nottinghamshirewildlife. org