Lackford Lakes
Lackford Lakes lie beside the River Lark and have been created from former gravel pits. Lackford lakes is a wonderfully diverse reserve with meadows, woodland, reed beds and streams..
A superb site for wildfowl in both winter and summer, Lackford attracts tufted duck, teal, pochard, gadwall, shoveler and goosander. There is a large winter gull roost which can hold as many as 28000 birds. Passing birds of prey include the majestic osprey, whilst buzzard and sparrowhawk can be seen regularly. In the summer months, hobby can be seen in hot pursuit of sand martin, swallows and an array of dragonflies. This is one of the best places in Suffolk for kingfisher, and cormorant are often seen fishing at the sailing lake or roosting in the tall trees by the river. Almost any migrant bird can turn up - black tern are regulars but species like Little Egret and the more uncommon waders are also seen.
This reclaimed site has been quickly colonised by plants. Gipsywort, figwort, common fleabane and purple loosestrife occur by the water’s edge and common centaury and common stork’s-bill and biting stonecrop appear in the drier areas. Encroaching willows need to be kept in check so that the open water, which hosts clouds of blue damselfies, is not lost. The otter has become a frequent visitor here. Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s original 11 hectare reserve at Lackford was donated by Bernard Tickner in 1976. In 2000 RMC donated a further 90 hectares of land to form the Lackford Lakes reserve.
Lackford Lakes has a thriving education centre. Click here for further information.
Click here for more information about Lackford Lakes visitor centre.
To view the descriptions for these images please view the slideshow at full size and click 'show info'
Further information for education groups
Before planning your trip, it is also advisable that you read the health and safety advice we have in place for Teachers. Also, find more information about booking and costs for various learning groups.
Special dates for your diaries
Gull Roost
November - February/March
Starling roost
November-February
Goosander roost
November-February
Events & Courses at Lackford Lakes
Centre Co-ordinator
Corinne Beaumont
01284 728706
lackford.centre@
suffolkwildlifetrust.orgEducation Officer
Emma Kerridge
01284 728706
lackford.education@
suffolkwildlifetrust.orgReserve Team
01284 728541
lackford.reserve@
suffolkwildlifetrust.org- Address
Lackford,Bury St Edmunds,Suffolk
IP28 6HX
Map › - Grid reference
TL 799706 - Map
OS Landranger 155 - Parking
At centre Car Park - Size
121 Hectures - Access
Fully accessible visitor centre with allocated parking and toilet for disabled people. The 1.5km Kingfisher Trail is negotiable by wheelchair, with ramped access to five hides. The new Orchid Hide, reached by a firm 150m path from the car park, offers easy access for all visitors. - Dogs
Sorry no dogs - STAR SPECIES
Kingfisher
Tree sparrow
Nightingale - Status
SSSI - Site of Special Scientific InterestA site of national importance identified by English Nature for its ecological or geological value.
