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Information on listed buildings, conservation areas and tree preservation orders is given on the heritage and conservation page.

Nature in Rushcliffe

Rushcliffe is largely rural, with a diverse landscape. Fragments of wildlife-rich habitats are found within the farmed landscape, woodland areas, ponds, the Grantham Canal and small pockets of species-rich grassland.

Rushcliffe is an important area for some species of plants and animals: black poplar, barn owls, water voles and great crested newts are found in Rushcliffe, but are rare in most of Nottinghamshire. Otters are recolonising Rushcliffe's watercourses.

In 2010 there are 8 nationally important sites (SSSIs) in Rushcliffe and there are 203 sites important for Nottinghamshire (SINCs). Maps of these sites are shown on the Insight Mapping website. For details of the criteria for SINC sites and to report sitings of rare species, please see the Nottinghamshire Biological and Geological Record Centre website.

Rushcliffe Borough Council has also declared some sites as Local Nature Reserves (LNRs); these are places that are managed as official nature reserves. Rushcliffe Borough Council is increasing the number of LNRs in Rushcliffe.

Our green spaces webpage provide more information about nature sites in Rushcliffe.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust also have nature reserves in the Borough.

Getting involved

Local people manage most reserves. Local volunteers are also active in a range of other activities from organising wildlife walks, talks and open days, to monitoring planning applications and surveying for wildlife. Find out how you can volunteer by visiting:

• South Notts local group of the Wildlife Trust reserve work parties
• Rushcliffe barn owl project website
• Or visit our community involvement page.

Nature conservation strategy

To help protect and enhance the nature of Rushcliffe, the Nature Conservation strategy has been produced; the latest version was agreed in 2010. As part of the strategy, three grants are available.

Nottinghamshire local biodiversity action plan

The Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Nottinghamshire (first published in 1998 by the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group and regularly updated) identifies the habitats and species in Nottinghamshire that require particular action to ensure their sustainability. The Plan sets priorities and objectives to prevent the loss of further wild species and habitats. Rushcliffe nature conservation strategy works to support this.