Places of Interest
Besthorpe Nature Reserve
Owned by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, the reserve dates from the early 1990's when the extraction of sand and gravel, laid down after the ice ages, came to an end. Subsequent major relocation of soils combined with the re-profiling of lake edges has transformed the area into a haven for waterfowl and other species.
Mons Pool Island provides secure nesting sites for Heron, Cormorant and Little Egret which may be seen throughout the year along with visiting migrants including the occasional Osprey heading north to nest or south to warmer climes. The additional development of wheelchair accessible paths and facilities ensures ease of access for all to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this wonderful place.
www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/nature-reserves/besthorpe-nature-reserve
RSPB nature reserves, Langford Lowfields
Langford Lowfields is a flagship partnership project involving the RSPB and Tarmac, showcasing wetland habitat creation on a large scale. A thriving reedbed sits at the heart of this expanding reserve, with wildlife highlights including bitterns, brown hares, bearded tits, marsh harriers, avocets, wintering wildfowl, starling mumurations and colourful wildflowers. Open 7 days a week, dawn till dusk.
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/langford-lowfields
Collingham Cricket Club
Collingham Cricket Club is a leading club in the region whose Dale Field ground lies adjacent to National Cycle Network Route 64 at the southern end of the village. This picturesque location provides both visitors and local residents with a welcoming venue for relaxation and enjoyment of a good standard of cricket throughout the summer months.
Matches, including County Youth and Junior games are played on Saturdays and Sundays when a range of refreshments is available from the Clubhouse.
Watersports at Girton Sailing Club
Located on a 100 acre lake, this is a family sailing club with a reputation for friendly training.
Girton Fishing Complex
The Girton Fishing Complex consists of four lakes totalling 200 acres of water. The fishery is being developed to offer anglers a full range of fishing opportunities. The common thread through all of our waters is great carp fishing, lovely fish and stunning surroundings.
Spalford Warren forest
The windblown coversands of Spalford Warren provide a rare and interesting alternative to the nearby floodplain of the River Trent. By harvesting ranks of mature, non native conifers planted after WW1, the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust have allowed the natural regeneration of the heathland flora to offer a glimpse of earlier times after the harsh sandy soil was formed by strong winds blowing over a sparsely vegetated, post glacial landscape. Amongst the heather, sand loving plants such as Fieldmouse Ear and Shepherds Cress are to be found with the terrain also favoured by Sand Wasp and Common Lizard. A wide variety of birdlife reflects the diversity of this remnant habitat.
www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/nature-reserves/spalford-warren
Fledborough Viaduct, North Clifton
Former railway viaduct which carried the Lancashire, Derbyshire, & East Coast Railway over the River Trent. It is now part of the Sustrans network of cycle and walking routes. Please note the graffiti artwork done by the local residents as part of the opening of this route
www.transporttrust.com/heritage-sites/heritage-detail/fledborough-viaduct
Pure Land Meditation Centre and Japanese Garden,
North Clifton
The award-winning meditation centre and Japanese garden featured in "Inspirational Gardens of the World" by the AA and "The Best British Gardens" on ITV
Pearson garden centre and nursery tea rooms, Collingham
Pearson's is a family-run plant nursery, with over 25 years of horticultural expertise stocking bedding, planted hanging baskets, perennials, roses, shade-loving plants, alpines, conifers, climbers, shrubs, ornamental trees, grasses and bamboos, herbs, soft fruit, fruit trees and vegetable plants. They also have a tearoom.
Cat Asylum Brewing Company, Collingham
Collingham's first brewery for 200 years, dedicated to saving cats, chickens and lost beers. Cat Asylum operates from what was once a plough workshop and is still one of the best preserved Georgian workshops that exist in Nottinghamshire. Their brews are available in many local hostelries but it is possible to buy direct from the brewery, just phone first to make sure someone is in.
View point at South Clifton
Travelling north from the Girton Sailing Club you will find a fantastic view point with an official cairn. While this view point is only 23 meters high, it gives on a clear day a great view of parts of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, including Lincoln Cathedral. This view point can easily be reached from Coal Yard Lane in South Clifton.