Information on Loughborough

Watch wildlife with experts at Watermead

Posted on 08/05/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

6 May 2009

Watch wildlife with experts at Watermead

People can enjoy wildlife watching with experts plus activities for all the family at an open day at Watermead Country Park this weekend.

The Reedbed Nature Reserve Open Day is a free event and a great opportunity to see the birds that visit Watermead, find out about the wide range of different habitats and explore the largest area of reedbed in the county - right on Leicester’s doorstep and only five miles from the city centre.

Country park rangers and experts from local wildlife groups and the RSPB will be on hand in each of the main hides to help identify birds. Different hides overlook the feeding station, the Wanlip flood meadows and the Sand Martins, recently returned from Africa, in their nesting wall.

For children there will be craft activities and a quiz. Everyone can try the bird song identification challenge and join in with the guided walk around the reserve.

There will also be demonstrations of bird ringing, wildlife photography on show and a chance to learn more about different kinds of animals.

The locally produced food and drink on sale is being provided by Pick’s Organic farm shop and tea shop from Barkby Thorpe.

The Nature Reserve Open Day is from 11am to 3.30pm on Sunday, 10th May. The event is free but car parking costs £1.50 for the day.

The Reedbed car park is near the main northern entrance of Watermead Country Park off Wanlip Road, near Syston. Brown signs mark the route from the A46 Hobby Horse roundabout.

Watermead County Park - www.leics.gov.uk/watermead

Notes:

  • The Watermead Reedbed nature reserve was officially opened five years ago in 2004. It was created by transforming a previously derelict site of former mineral extraction.
  • Watermead Country Park is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful stretch of countryside, easily accessible for many people. A wetland with over 12 lakes and smaller ponds, it is a super site for birdwatching, fishing or more active watersports. Most of the paths are surfaced making it ideal for wheelchair and buggy users, as well as walking and cycling.
  • Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and Charnwood Borough Council manage the park in a partnership.
  • The adjacent Wanlip Flood Meadows are managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.