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Sun 5th April - Late Opening

Due to Storm Dave we will open slightly later at 11am on Sunday 5th April, this will allow us to assess any storm damage or clean up that needs doing to ensure the site is safe and accessible for our visitors. Thank you for your understanding, we look forward to welcoming you this Easter. 

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Latest sightings

Wildlife Sightings 04/04/2026

Wildlife Sightings 04/04/2026

The first Blackcaps of the season are now starting to return to the site. Sightings of singing males have been noted in scrubby woodland edges and hedgerows. Sand Martins have been observed moving through the reserve, with small numbers feeding over the

4 April 2026

Wildlife Sightings 03/04/2026

Wildlife Sightings 03/04/2026

Lots of birds singing, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Chaffinch and Great Tit. am/pm Wader Lake Species Water Level Total Shoveler 14 Mallard

3 April 2026

Wildlife Sightings 02/04/2026

Wildlife Sightings 02/04/2026

Now starting to bloom Cuckoo Flower, Snake’s‑head Fritillary and Marsh Marigold The Spotted Redshank, a rare visitor that’s been around the lagoon all winter is still showing well at the Lagoon am Wader Lake Species

2 April 2026

Wildlife Sightings 01/04/2026

Wildlife Sightings 01/04/2026

Lots of birds singing, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Chaffinch and Great Tit. am/pm Wader Lake Species Water Level Total Shoveler 10, 6m 4f Mallard

1 April 2026

Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife Sightings

amWader Lake Species Water LevelHighTotal Shoveler - 6m+4fMallard - 8 Shelduck - 15 Teal - 2m+3f Gadwall - 3Tufted Duck - 2m+1fGrey Heron - 7Canada Goose - 2Mute Swan - 2 Oystercatcher - 2 Avocet - 4Moorhen - 1Coot - 1B.H. Gull - 37Herring Gull - 11

30 March 2026

Wildlife Sightings 29/03/2026

Wildlife Sightings 29/03/2026

amWader Lake Species Water LevelHighTotal Mute Swan - 2 Oystercatcher - 2 Avocet - 4 Redshank -  3 Mallard - 19 Teal - 6m+3f Tufted Duck - 2m+1f Shoveler - 5m+5f Gadwall - 3 Herring Gull - 9 B.H. Gull - 30 L.B.B Gull - 1 Grey Heron - 3

30 March 2026

Wildlife Sightings 28/03/2026

Wildlife Sightings 28/03/2026

. A small patch of Wood Anemone, an ancient woodland indicator, has sprung up in part of Hawthorn Wood that has not been developed or disturbed over the years. Lots of birds singing around the grounds, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Robin,

28 March 2026

Wildlife Sightings 27/03/2026

Wildlife Sightings 27/03/2026

Lots of birds singing around the grounds, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Robin, Wren and Great Tit. am Wader Lake Species Water Level High Total Grey Heron 28

27 March 2026

Wildlife Sightings 26/03/2026

Wildlife Sightings 26/03/2026

A superb adult Iceland Gull was spotted today on Wader Lake. This elegant Arctic visitor is always a treat to see, far less common than our regular gull species. Tip for visitors: Check the mixed gull flock carefully, its complete lack of black wingtips

26 March 2026

Wildlife Sightings 25/03/2026

Wildlife Sightings 25/03/2026

Smooth newts have been highly active, patrolling the shallows and displaying classic breeding behaviour Roe Deer have been seen moving quietly through Spring Gill The resident pair of Mute Swans noted mating, confirming their preparations for the breed

26 March 2026

Wildlife Sightings 24/03/2026

Wildlife Sightings 24/03/2026

A Little Egret in the Heronry and a Little Ringer Plover on Wader Lake. A small patch of Wood Anemone, an ancient woodland indicator, has sprung up in part of Hawthorn Wood that has not been developed or disturbed over the years. am/pm

25 March 2026

Wildlife Sightings 23/03/2026

Wildlife Sightings 23/03/2026

Overwintering Spotted Redshank still on Saline Lagoon, looking to be staying with us into spring. Kestrel pair displaying in North Wood, hoping that they will use one of the nest boxes again this year. am/pm Wader Lake Species

25 March 2026

Wildlife Sightings 22/03/2026

Wildlife Sightings 22/03/2026

Willow Tit calling at Filter Reedbed moving between the reedbed and the big willow next to the memorial garden. Lots of bird song around the site, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Chaffinch. Plenty of hive nesting bees browsing for nesting sites at Wader Lake Foo

22 March 2026

Wildlife Sightings 20/03/2026

Wildlife Sightings 20/03/2026

Birds singing around the grounds, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Robin and Blue Tit. am Wader Lake Species Water Level High Total Grey Heron 33

20 March 2026

Wildlife Sightings 19/03/2026

Wildlife Sightings 19/03/2026

Several butterflies have been spotted, including Comma, Peacock, and Red Admiral. Keep your eyes open along hedgerows and sunny paths they’re putting on a great show! The frog spawn is developing at pace, and tadpoles are now beginning to hatch. For

19 March 2026