Attenborough Nature Reserve has introduced a compulsory £3 parking fee to its car park and the early signs are that users have accepted the charge without complaint.
Beforehand it was a £3 voluntary donation for the nature reserve to contribute towards running costs.
Now, it’s compulsory for visitors to pay the parking charge - although Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust members will be exempt from paying the fee.
Visitors of the nature reserve think that the charge is a good idea to help the upkeep of the reserve.
Claire Cutts, 56, a creative director, from Beeston says that the parking fee is a good idea.
“I think it’s good for the nature reserve - I didn’t know before that it used to be voluntary,” She said.
“For what you get here it’s very good.
“To look after this place, £3 isn’t asking for much.”
Marliti Criuse, 46, dentist from Nottingham, told Nottinghamshire Live: “I don’t mind having to pay if it helps the nature reserve.
“I come here often to walk the dog and the nature reserve is really well kept.”
Stephen Whitely, 74, retired from Derbyshire said: “It’s easy to use and it’s £3 so it’s not too bad.
“As long as they use it for wildlife it’s good - I don't have any issues with it.”
Erin McDaid from the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust told Nottinghamshire Live: “Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has cared for Attenborough Nature Reserve since the 1960s and was delighted to secure the site’s long-term future last year by purchasing it outright.
“We have exciting plans for the future of the reserve, one of the best loved wildlife sites in the UK, but to invest in the site’s habitats and facilities and our wider work we need income.
“As a charity we rely heavily on donations but less than a third of visitors were contributing through car park donations - despite efforts to increase the uptake.
“We have decided to switch to compulsory charges but we’ve kept the £3 daily rate and introduced a 30 minute free period so that people can pop into the nature centre to shop.
“Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Members and existing parking permit holders can park for free once they’ve registered their vehicles.”
