Bodenham Lake

Please note that the bird hides at this site are currently CLOSED

Bodenham Lake is an important overwintering and breeding area for birds and other aquatic wildlife and half of the site is managed as a wildlife refuge with restricted public access. More than 160 species of birds have been recorded at this important site.

Location

Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve

Bodenham

Know before you go

Size

45 hectares

Entry fee

Free entry & parking

Parking information

Please note the car park is locked at 7 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, reopened at 8 am each day.

Grazing animals

Areas of this nature reserve are grazed seasonally by sheep.

Walking trails

You can picnic and stroll through beautiful orchards as well as river and lakeside meadows.

Access

There are twp easy access paths around part of the lake, both originating from the car park.

Dogs

Under effective control

Facilities

Bird hides

Picnic area

When to visit

Opening times

Dawn to dusk daily

Best time to visit

All year

About 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 160 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

Please note: fishing, swimming or other unauthorised recreational use of the lake is not permitted.