Lattersey

About the reserve

This local nature reserve used to be a quarry for brick clay and 'borrow' material used to build the local railway. The abandoned pits filled with water, providing a haven for the wildlife that was forced into the area as the surrounding fenland was drained and ploughed.  

Follow the boardwalk to explore the wetland, which is important for a variety of wildlife including water voles, water shrews and insects, especially dragonflies and damselflies, rare beetles and moths. Sedges, rushes and other wetland plants abound. The uncommon reed beetle can be found on the common reed.  

Twayblade and bee orchid can be found on the drier grassland areas. Dense scrub also provides food and shelter for birds such as woodcock, sparrowhawk and tawny owl. Look for round holes in tree trunks and sawdust left by feeding goat moth caterpillars. You may even spot a common lizard.