Wildlife along the Rutland Water

Rutland Water. Picture courtesy of Anglian Water

The western part of the reservoir is set aside as a Nature Reserve, but in fact throughout the year large numbers of waterbirds can be seen in all sections of the reservoir. The Reserve is a scheduled SSSI, RAMSAR site and Special Protection Area and it's open every day of the year.

Thanks to its varied habitats, Rutland is a most important winter wildfowl sanctuary, regularly holding over 20,000 waterfowl. Its most famous accolade is the hatching of the first wild osprey in 150 years, here in 2001. This year there have been two more successful nests.

Also look out for, amongst many others, black-headed gulls, common terns and kestrels; waders like redshanks, oystercatchers, plovers and lapwings potter about; teals, nightingales, sandmartins, beautiful kingfishers and heron also love it here.

The Birdwatching Centre here thrives, with 22 Bird hides and nature trails with experts to help you with identification. There's also a new environmental display, viewing gallery and excellent schools service.

There are two visitor centres at Egleton and Lyndon Hill.

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  1. Barnsdale »

    Address: Oakham, Rutland

    Services: Country park

  2. Barnsdale Gardens »

    Address: The Avenue, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AH

    Tel: 01572 813200

    Services: Garden

  3. Egleton Nature Reserve »

    Address: Oakham, Rutland

    Tel: 01572 770651

    Services: Nature reserve

  4. Lyndon Nature Reserve »

    Address: Uppingham, Rutland

    Services: Nature reserve

  5. Normanton »

    Address: Oakham, Rutland

    Services: Country park

  6. Sykes Lane »

    Address: Sykes Lane, Oakham, Rutland

    Services: Country park

  7. Whitwell »

    Address: Oakham, Rutland

    Services: Country park

Results 1-7 of 7