Whelford Pools
Know before you go
Entry fee
NoGrazing animals
NoWalking trails
There is a nature reserve leaflet and a walk leaflet which includes this reserve available by request, for free, from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.
Access
Both hides have access ramps with gradients of less than 10% and wheelchair friendly turning circles. There are some uneven surfaces on the paths.
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
All year roundAbout 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.
Contact us
Environmental designation
How to get there:
Post code: GL7 4DY
Grid reference: SU 17299 99503
Full directions: Travelling along A417 from either Lechlade or Fairford, turn for Whelford (next to Shell garage) and Whelford Pools is the third turning on the left
Parking Capacity: 12