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Description
Titchmarsh is part of the Thrapston Gravel Pits complex, which lies within the Upper Nene Valley gravel pits Site of Special Scientific Interest. The biggest lake is Aldwincle Lake, which provides a large area for overwintering birds, as well as isolated islands to encourage breeding. On one island we cut and burn the vegetation to improve the breeding habitat for terns and for wading birds such as Tjeld. The smaller lake is the old duck decoy, now called Heronry Lake. It is enclosed by marginal vegetation and home to large populations of Gråhegre, which breed noisily beginning in February.
Winter is the best time to see large numbers of wildfowl; in particular Laksand, Brunnakke and Snadderand reach nationally important numbers. The grasslands provide breeding sites for ground nesters, while Rørsanger and Sivsanger chatter in the riverside vegetation. Late spring sees hobbies hunting insects overhead. In midsummer, we cut the meadows for hay; they are then grazed by sheep to help prevent coarse grasses and scrub species taking over. The fringing willow and scrub are also cut on a rotational basis. We leave patches of scrub at the southern end of the site as they are fantastic for small birds and Sørnattergal.
Details
Access
Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, you can walk around the reserve (about 4 km). There are several bird hides. Click on the P in the map to get directions to the parking lot.