Ditchford Lakes and Meadows (Nene Wetlands)

This reserve has now been combined with several others to form the Nene Wetlands, part of the Nene Valley Living Landscape. To find out more, please visit the Nene Wetlands page.
 
Part of the Upper Nene Valley Special Protection Area, this complex of old gravel pits, grassland and scrub is very important for breeding and wintering birds. Areas of the lakes are surrounded by mature scrub, mainly willow, and provide perfect shelter for a range of wildlife. Listen out for the distinctive call of Cetti's warblers from the scrub around the smaller lake.
Otters are frequent visitors to Ditchford Lakes - look out for their footprints in the wet mud. Grass snakes are often seen basking in the sun on the paths during warm mornings.
Take a look at some photos of Ditchford Lakes and Meadows reserve on Oliver Andrews Flickr page.
 
The map below is for indication purposes only and does not show the Wildlife Trusts definitive land boundary.

Reserve details
Trust Website: 
http://www.wildlifebcn.org
Size: 
31.10
Short Description: 
An important reserve for breeding and winter birds, with frequent visits from otters
Smartphone Description: 
A complex of old gravel pits, grassland and scrub, this is an important reserve for breeding and wintering birds. The lakes are surrounded by mature scrub and provide perfect shelter. The medows have a rich collection of wet meadow plants including great burnet and the fragrant meadowsweet. The site is rich in dragonflies & damselflies including the rare hairy dragonfly. Otters are frequent visitors, their footprints in the mud a telltale sign of their presence
Location
Address: 
Ditch ford Road 3 miles from
Town: 
Wellingborough
County: 
Northamptonshire
Grid ref: 
SP 930 678
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Car park, with height restrictions, 500m along the Ditchford Road, entrance to the reserve is off the car park
Walking information: 
Rough grass paths, flat overall. Some areas soft and muddy, especially in the winter
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve phone number: 
01604 405285
Reserve email address: 
northamptonshire@wildlifebcn.org
Photos
Photo: 
Ditchford Lakes and Meadows
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve