Summer Leys

Summer Leys Nature Reserve near Wellingborough, Northants is owned and managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough (BCNP).  The reserve has SSSI status, an important refuge for wintering and breeding birds including golden plover, shoveler, lapwing and widgeon.  The wetland is within the Upper Nene Valley and is made up of flooded gravel pits, flood meadows, species-rich neutral grassland and mature hedges. 

There are a couple of hides overlooking the lake where you can sit and watch the moorhens, shovelers and all the other water-loving birds, the hides are very roomy - I took my wheelchair in with no problem. Incidentally, thanks to the great flat landscape of the county, the paths are a doddle!

Rare breeds of sheep graze, and there are teems of different kinds of birds, dragonflies, butterflies, all manner of bugs and plants - I am particularly hopeful one day of spotting a kingfisher and an otter.

Don't forget to take your flask of coffee and sarnies as there are picnic tables near the carpark , but alas so far I've not found the loos so it may be only suitable for just a few hours to visit if you dont live nearby.