Old Oxidation Ditch

The Old Oxidation Ditch near Newark is exactly what its name suggests - a former sewage treatment lagoon that's been reclaimed by nature and turned into something genuinely worth a visit. It's now a freshwater lake fringed with reeds and willows, and it's become a proper haven for birdwatchers and anyone after a quiet walk.

You'll find it's excellent for spotting waders, grebes, and the occasional bittern if you're lucky and patient. The water's murky and uninviting - you're not swimming here - but that's rather the point. Wildlife thrives in the undisturbed shallows. A circuit on foot takes around forty minutes at a leisurely pace, and there's something oddly satisfying about the industrialised landscape giving way to genuine wilderness.

This works best for keen birdwatchers and walkers seeking somewhere off the usual tourist trail. Families with restless kids might find it a touch slow-paced unless they're into binoculars and field guides. Spring and early autumn bring the most interesting visitors - migrating birds stop off here with decent regularity.

It's free to access, though there's limited formal infrastructure. Bring proper footwear; the paths can be boggy. If you're based at one of the nearby glamping spots like BrackenXcapes or Southwell Retreat, this makes an easy half-morning excursion. It pairs well with a proper walk elsewhere in the area - Sherwood Forest isn't far. Don't expect tourist facilities or visitor centres. Come for the quietness and the birds, not the amenities.