Tom Ellis

CN Harding

A still calm lake reflecting a clear blue sky bordered by trees showing golden autumnal colours

Swan Lake at The Wolseley Centre by Sarah Davison

The Wolseley Centre Nature Reserve

For more infortmation on the Wolseley Centre, follow this link.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s HQ, The Wolseley Centre, is one of the county’s hidden gems and it's completely free to visit – so why not make a date in your diary to come and see us this month? The Visitor Centre underwent a revamp in 2019 with many improvements and features being added such as a new-look gift shop, the Kingfisher cafe overlooking swan lake and a learning hub dedicated to educational activities.

Location

The Wolseley Centre

Wolseley Bridge

ST17 0WT

Know before you go

Entry fee

Free but donations welcome

Parking information

There is a large car park. A donation for car parking is much appreciated and will go towards the Trust's work protecting wildlife around the county. The car park closes at 5pm everyday.

Bicycle parking

Bike racks can be found at the entrance to the Wolseley centre

Grazing animals

Grazing animals are present in summer months on the wet meadow and river walk area.

Walking trails

A network of accessible footpaths weave around the grounds - ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs, trampers and little feet! The site also features a board walk, allowing views over the river and ponds. Take a picnic beside one of our three lakes, or search for colourful dragonflies and the bright blue flash of kingfishers as you stroll alongside the river.

Access

There is a mobility scooter onsite which can be hired for a donation. For further information, ring the centre on 01889 880100

There are accessible tracks around some of the site, allowing views over both lakes. There are also kissing gates which open with radar keys.

Please note that some of the paths can be uneven and boggy so suitable sturdy footwear is recommended.

We'd highly recommend calling into our visitor centre so our friendly team can talk you through the walks and let you know about our current trails, so you can decide if they're suitable for your mobility levels. You can also click on the link below to find out more and explore the Wolseley Centre grounds before your visit.

Dogs

On a lead

Dogs are welcome to the centre but must be kept on a lead at all times. There is also a designated area for dogs within the centre's cafe and we have doggy ice creams you can purchase during warmer weather!

Facilities

Visitor centre

Bird hides

Toilets

Shop

Cafe/refreshments

Picnic area

Accessible toilet

Baby changing facilities

Outdoor play area

Disabled parking

Accessible trails

When to visit

Opening times

Please check the visitor centre page for holiday season hours: https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/explore/wolseley-centre

The grounds are open 9am to 5pm everyday.

Please remember the site at Wolseley has limited capacity - so we may have to close the gates early and restrict access if things get too busy to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

The car park is open as normal and will close along with the gates and grounds at 5:00pm

The Wolseley Centre gift shop and Visitor Centre are open 9.30am-4.30pm Monday - Sunday

The Kingfisher cafe is open 10:00am to 3:30pm on weekdays, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on weekends. From 4th September to March 2025.

Find out more about the cafe here

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

What's here?

26 acres of beautiful grounds to explore, which are full of interesting features and wildlife-friendly display gardens.
A network of accessible footpaths weave around the grounds - ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs and little feet! Take a picnic beside our three lakes or search for colourful dragonflies and the bright blue flash of kingfishers as you stroll alongside the river.
Walk along the boardwalk and enjoy views over tranquil pools, across the River Trent and beyond.
Plenty of benches if you want to sit and enjoy the tranquillity.
We sell duck food and activity trails making this the perfect place to visit with children.
A friendly and welcoming visitor centre with a small shop selling nature-inspired books, toys, homeware, clothing, cards, bird food and feeders.
We run regular events throughout the year to get you exploring the wonderful grounds and learning about the wildlife that calls Wolseley home. From guided bat walks to den building sessions, there is something on for everyone.
Freshly cooked breakfasts, jacket potatoes and paninis plus delicious cakes and hot drinks are available at The Kingfisher Cafe (find out more here ).