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Description
This reserve is owned by Anglian Water and managed by the local Wildlife Trust. There are eight lagoons, inlets from the main reservoir and areas of woodland and grassland. The lagoons have differing characteristics which appear to attract differing species of water birds.
Although Ribar are seen (in Lagoon 4 and Manton Bay), it's much more convenient and reliable to visit the other part of the reserve at South Lyndon, for these birds. However, the number of species, particularly waders is better at Egleton and unusual species, such as Velika bela čaplja will show up here.
Details
Access
The reserve carpark is about 0.63 mile from the main A6003 road, clearly signposted as "Bird Watching centre". There's ample parking. It's also adjacent to the cycle route that circles the reservoir.
Busses (Routes 185 and RF1) run from Oakham and Stamford, both towns have rail services. However, neither service ventures closer than .75 mile to the reserve centre and frequency and timings should be checked.
Most routes within the reserve are level and some are roughly paved; access to hides is usually via ramps, so wheelchair users may find that assistance is a good idea.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Lake , Mud flats , Grassland , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , WetCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
Winter , Spring , SummerBest time to visit
Summer , Winter , Spring migrationRoute
Wide path , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Parking and access permits are necessary and are obtained from the reserve centre shop (although ones obtained at South Lyndon are valid here - and vice versa), and refreshments and toilets are also here. There's also a tap for drinking water.
This is a large reserve, so either plan the specific lagoons or viewpoints that you wish to visit or allow a full day for a serendipitous approach. It's difficult to make specific recommendations, but most habitat types may be covered by visiting Lagoon 4, Lagoon 2 (best viewed from the upstairs gallery at the centre) and Lagoon 5. North/south end-to-end distance is about 1.5 miles, although walking distance may be further - the site plan has distance clearly marked.