Newark & Sherwood District Council

At the centre of the park is Vicar Pond, a large fishing lake that was created by the 5th Duke of Portland in the 1870s. In the past the lake has been used for boating and swimming but today it is a thriving course fishery (day tickets available). The park is also a designated local nature reserve.

The Green Flag awarded park has been transformed to heathland, woodland and grassland and offers spectacular views across to Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

Entry to Vicar Water is free of charge although there is a voluntary car park donation charge of £1 if visitors so wish to donate. 

‌ Park facilities

• Large lake and abundant wildlife‌
• Footpaths and cycleways suitable for all abilities including the Sustrans National Route 6 and the Timberland Trail
• Visitor centre and Rumbles Café
• Toilets located in the visitor centre
• Children’s play area
• Small pond (for model boats and duck feeding)
• Golden Hand sculpture

Wildlife, habitats and Education

The park is available for use for environmental education purposes, any enquires should be directed to the Ranger who can be contacted via 07980 610 308 or email: matt.smith@nsdc.info

Vicar Water offers a range of wildlife and habitats. Whether you want to see birds, bats, wildflowers or fungi there is always something to see at the park. 

• Wildlife and habitats

Friends of Vicar Water

The Friends of Vicar Water volunteer group is involved in helping us to look after the park. The group meets regularly and welcomes new members. Call 01636 655713 for further details.

Volunteering

Based in west Nottinghamshire? Want to meet new people, keep fit, help to conserve and enhance your local country park whilst having fun? Then why not join the Newark and Sherwood Western Reserves Volunteers? No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm!

Tasks will vary from scrub bashing, fencing, visitor surveys, repairing footpaths, woodland thinning and habitat surveying so there is something for everyone! You will get the chance to work at Vicar Water Country Park and Intake Wood in Clipstone and Sherwood Heath in Ollerton.

Full training and tools will be provided but please bring suitable old outdoor clothing and stout footwear. Any hours and days that you can spare will be greatly appreciated.

For more information please contact Park Ranger Matt Smith via email: matt.smith@nsdc.info or via telephone on 07980 610 308. 

‌Voluntary parking charge

The park has a voluntary pay and display scheme. If you drive to the park you can, if you wish, make a parking donation of £1 for a day, or buy a season ticket for £20.

No-one is under any obligation to make a donation but any donations will be reinvested in the park. Everyone is still welcome to use the park, regardless of whether they make a donation or not and you won't be charged or fined if you don't buy a ticket.

• Buy a season ticket

The Visitor Centre and Cafe

The Visitor Centre and café is run by Rumbles Catering Project - a registered charity which provides training in catering and life skills for people with learning difficulties. Rumbles can also provide outside catering for events, parties and functions.

The cafe provides a great family friendly place to relax when visiting the park. There is plenty to eat and drink in the cafe and outside is a play area for the kids it's the perfect spot to wind down after a walk and an explore.                

For further details of Rumbles menus and services or to enquire about hiring the Visitor Centre facilities please call 01623 424836 or e-mail rumblescateringproject@yahoo.co.uk

Our regular events include bird walks, wildflower walks, nature walks, bat walks, school holiday activities and fun days!

Follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts to find out about our events and join in the conversation!

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Vicar Water can be reached via public transport by using Stagecoach travel and catching the number 14, 15, or 16 bus.  A bus stop is located at the top of the entrance drive.

A dog walking route has been mapped out at Vicar Water Country Park.

The route, which has been devised by Newark and Sherwood District Council in partnership with Dogs Trust, is a 6km route which takes in the sites of area. A map of the route can be found at Vicar Water Country Park’s visitor centre. Once on the route, there are handy markers to look out for so you know you are still on the right path. There are also plenty of bins along the route so you can easily dispose of dog waste.

Walking your dog is a vital part of being a dog owner. The fresh air and exercise is good for both you and your pet, as well as the social aspect of meeting other dog walkers and dogs along the way.

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