Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Budby South Forest
BudbyOpenSee opening timesStep back in time to a medieval landscape of historic heathland and ancient woodland where wildlife thrives.
About
Budby is a snapshot of a medieval landscape – the largest area of historic heathland in the Midlands. Wander over the heath or head for a woodland walk in our ancient forest. Nightjars, Woodlarks and Tree Pipits make the most of the sweeping areas of open heath in summer, joined by Yellowhammers, Linnets and Willow Warblers who hide out in the scrub. In winter, you can see Crossbills, Goldcrests and large Redpoll and Siskin flocks flitting through the emerald green pines and ghostly branches of birch trees.
Butterflies and moths flutter through grassy areas in the sunnier months. Common Lizards bask in patches of sunlight among the heather. Native Red Deer and Rabbits help the English Longhorn cattle graze the heath and grassland mosaic, creating a rich tapestry for the many insects that live here, like the Black Oil Beetles, rare spiders and mining bees.
At Budby nature reserve, we’re focused on helping the habitats and the wildlife they support not just survive, but thrive. Sometimes our work can make the heathland look a little bare at first. It will recover in time and provide the right conditions for vulnerable wildlife in the long run.
At a glance
Please use the main car park at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, which is located approximately 1 mile to the south along the B6034 Swinecote Road.
We don't have any toilets here.
The nearest toilets can be found at our neighbouring Sherwood Forest visitor centre, half a mile away.
The nearest public toilets are in Edwinstowe, one mile away.
We don't have baby changing facilities here.
The nearest baby changing facilities can be found at our neighbouring Sherwood Forest visitor centre, half a mile away.
The nearest public toilets are in Edwinstowe, one mile away.
There are many unmarked routes.
Some are hard-surfaced and suitable for sturdy wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Others are uneven, heavily rutted and muddy. Use the reserve signs to help navigate
There are many unmarked routes.
Some are hard-surfaced and suitable for sturdy wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Others are uneven, heavily rutted and muddy. Use the reserve signs to help navigate
We don't have any toilets here.
The nearest toilets can be found at our neighbouring Sherwood Forest visitor centre, half a mile away.
The nearest public toilets are in Edwinstowe, one mile away.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here.
They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
The Open Access law is in place to protect vulnerable birds and requires dogs to be kept on a lead within the fenced areas during the breeding season from March 1 to August 31.
Please keep your dogs under close control around livestock.
If you come across cattle blocking your path through grazing compartments, take a different route to give them a plenty of space and keep your dog calm.
You can let your dog off lead on public rights of way. Use the maps on the reserve signage to help you pick your route.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Budby South Forest
sherwoodforest@rspb.org.uk Budby South Forest, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9HN 01623 677321