Whelford Pools

About the reserve

Located in the eastern part of the Cotswold Water Park, this reserve is situated between Fairford and Lechlade. It used to be the site of two barren gravel pits, but is now a freshwater haven for all sort of wildlife. Although much of the reserve is out of bounds to protect nesting flocks, great views can be had from the hides. You will klikely be rewarded with sights of overwintering pochard, tufted duck, wigeon and great-crested grebe can be seen, along with heron. In the spring and summer dragonflies and damselflies are particularly abundant, and the great grested grebe can be seen doing it's famous 'weed dance' - it's courtship ritual. Common tern visit in the summer, and the occasional bittern has also been seen. Pike and otter use the lakes and sedge warbler, reed bunting and nightingale can be seen - this site offers a tranquil place to take in the scenery and has guaranteed wildlife interest all yer round. This site is part of an SSSI.