About the reserve

Listen to the sound of singing birds in spring with the arrival of nightingales and warblers from Africa. The first bees and butterflies start to make appearances on bright spring days.  

Later in summer, the reserve is alive with damselflies and dragonflies. Swallows and martins sweep over the water's surface feeding on small flies. The lakesides are busy with nesting great-crested grebe, kingfisher, tufted duck and water rail. Bright stems of purple-loosestrife, common fleabane and gipsywort create colour at the water's edge.        

Gold and red colours mark the coming of autumn with the arrival of a wide range of wildfowl. Birds including shoveler, lapwing, goosander, bittern and goldeneye depend on the lakes during the winter months.    

Open seven days a week, there is always someone in the visitor centre to help you plan your visit, identify anything you've spotted or chat to you about the work we do and how you can support us.

The coffee shop sells barista coffee and a range of snacks including toasties, soup, scones, local ice creams and delicious locally-made cakes.  Vegan and Gluten-free options are available, chat to the team to find out more.