Location
OS Map Reference
SO 529512
Know before you go
Parking information
Free car park on site.Grazing animals
Seasonal grazing by sheep.Walking trails
You can picnic and stroll through beautiful orchards as well as river and lakeside meadows. There are surfaced and unsurfaced paths with clear signage. To prevent disturbance to sensitive wildlife there is no access to the western end of the reserve but the area can be seen from the public hides.
Access
There are two easy access paths around part of the lake, both originating from the car park.
Dogs
Facilities
When to visit
Opening times
Dawn to dusk dailyBest time to visit
All yearAbout the reserve
One of the largest stretches of open water in Herefordshire, covering around 50 acres, Bodenham Lake today is an important overwintering and breeding area for wildfowl and other aquatic wildlife. The lake is designated as a Site of Local Importance and, where the reserve borders the River Lugg, it is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation. More than 170 species of birds have been recorded here while otters are regularly spotted. The lake is also a key breeding site for toads and thousands follow historic migratory routes to the lake each spring. With so much water about, it is also a good site for dragonflies and damsels in the summer, while the meadows and weedy areas are full of butterflies.
Please note: fishing, swimming or water sports are not permitted in the lake outside of authorised activity.
Species
Contact us
Environmental designation
Directions
From Hereford, follow the A49 north and turn right to Bodenham village, signposted to The Railway Inn. Once past the pub, the reserve is on the right-hand side a few minutes along this road. If you come to the war memorial, you have gone too far!
The Bodenham Lake Diaries by Wendy Rushton
Davies Meadow Nature Reserve (Paul Lloyd)
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When you join us as a member of Herefordshire Wildlife Trust you will receive our Herefordshire Nature Reserves Guide with full details of all our nature reserves including maps and species of interest.