Mapperley Wood, Kate Lemon
Bluebell, Jim HighamÂ
Willow warbler, Sue Crookes
Kingfisher, Malcolm Brown
in spring and as summer approaches it bursts with birdsong.
Location
East of Mapperley Reservoir, on the southern edge of Shipley Country Park.
OS Map Reference
SK 4357 4360
Know before you go
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
Spring for bluebells and woodland birds - winter for water railAbout the reserve
On the southern edge of Shipley Country Park is Mapperley Wood Nature Reserve, a narrow belt of woodland with a stream running through it.
This reserve contains some of the county's most vulnerable habitats, including mature oak woodland, wetland and a small area of acid grassland. Several paths run through the reserve and the Trust has provided a hide for permit holders to watch and appreciate the wildlife of the area.
From here you may see birds such as coot, moorhen, mallard and kingfisher and hear many of the woodland birds. In spring the woodland is a glorious carpet of bluebells.
As summer approaches, it bursts with birdsong - you may hear chiffchaffs willow warblers and blackcaps as well as the more familiar calls of robins and chaffinches. Great spotted woodpeckers and nuthatches also make their homes among the trees.
In winter small numbers of waterfowl visit the ponds and water rail can be found in the marshy areas, its presence only given away by its distinctive squealing call.
