The first prayer hall here was built of wattle and daub by Adda himself and the 12th century St. Mary’s Church is built on the same spot, lookout for the original oak door which is over 800 years old. In the churchyard you will find the 1918 memorial to the 134 people killed in a munitions explosion at the nearby Chilwell Ordnance Depot when the government’s revolutionary technique for compressing explosives directly into the shell casings went awry.

The 16th century farmhouse adjoining the church is the oldest residence in the village. It is named Ireton house after Henry Ireton who was born here in 1611. He married Oliver Cromwell’s daughter Bridget in 1646 and was on of the Roundheads finest commanders. He secured his place in history in 1649 when he became one of the signatories of King Charles’ death warrant. Across the tracks is Barratt Lane, which was cut off from the village in 1839 when the Nottingham to Derby railway was laid down only to become a focus for development when the station was opened here in 1864. The lane is now home to a number of large Victorian houses constructed by the wealthy wool and lace merchants of the area.

Attenborough’s main attractions are its gravel pits, excavated between 1929 & 1967 these were flooded in 1966 and opened as a conservation reserve by famous naturalist David Attenborough (no relation). The artificial flood plains are an important spot for migratory birds such as grebes and sea ducks and have been registered as a site of special scientific interest. On the far corner of the reserve is Beeston Marina with its picturesque 19th-century lock and lockkeeper’s cottage. There is a small community of prefab houses here, constructed as a temporary solution to the housing crisis that followed WWII and still going strong. There is also a café and bar for those that need refreshments.

The area is ideal for twitchers and makes a pleasant side-trip for anyone trying to escape the hustle and bustle of Nottingham.