Staunton Quarry Nature Reserve

The old quarry at Staunton has turned into something rather special. What was once a working extraction site is now a proper haven for wildlife - the kind of place where you actually spot things rather than just walking past hoping you might.

You get two distinct habitats here. The water-filled quarry itself attracts dragonflies and damselflies in summer, while the grassland areas around it draw in birds and butterflies. The trails are straightforward enough, nothing too demanding, and you can usually circle the main pit in under an hour if you're not stopping constantly with binoculars.

Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers will get the most out of it, especially during spring and autumn migration periods. It's less of a draw for young children unless they're genuinely into spotting things - there's no playground or café, just paths and observation points. Families from Witham Grange Glamping, just two and a half miles away, would find it a decent morning activity to combine with a picnic back at base.

Free to visit, as far as we can tell, though the reserve doesn't always advertise widely. Spring and early summer offer the best wildlife activity. Newark is only a few miles south if you need supplies or somewhere proper to eat afterwards.

It's the sort of spot that rewards you if you come at the right time and with the right expectations. Not Instagram-famous, but genuinely worthwhile for anyone who actually enjoys watching nature rather than just posing in front of it.