There will be some major path and drainage repairs occurring on site, mostly in the Scaldwell Bay, through the spring and summer of 2025 to improve access during wet years and try and avoid flooding that closes the full circuit path.
Please bear with us while work is taking place as there may be some path closures and heavy machinery working on site. A full circuit of the reserve will still be possible at all times. Thank you for your understanding and apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Update: 9/5/2025
Pitsford Water by Sarah Gibbs
Pitsford Water Nature Reserve
Location
OS Map Reference
SP787699
Know before you go
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Nature reserve open all yearBest time to visit
All year roundAbout the reserve
One of our largest and most tranquil nature reserves, Pitsford Water Nature Reserve is the perfect place to 'get away from it all'. Explore the quiet pathways and mixed habitats of this beautiful nature reserve. Enjoy expansive views across the reservoir and visit the many bird hides dotted along the lakeshore.
Four main streams enter the reserve and their valleys form large bays of shallow water. During winter these provide excellent feeding and sheltering areas for wildfowl. As the water level drops in summer, stretches of mud offer feeding areas for migrating waders. These areas are quickly colonised by unusual plants not found elsewhere on the reserve, such as orange foxtail, mudwort and golden dock. On the waterside fringes, celery-leaved buttercup and beds of water mint add to the interest. The wealth of plants provide food and shelter for a range of mammals including harvest mouse, badger and brown hare.
The most conspicuous wildlife here is the birdlife. The whole reservoir was designated a SSSI in 1970, principally because of the large numbers of wildfowl. In winter up to 10,000 birds can be seen, including wigeon, gadwall, pintail and teal. Over 25 species of duck have been recorded as well as three species of diver and five of grebe. The scrub areas attract winter flocks of thrushes to their berry crop and over 40 species of bird are known to breed here in spring and summer, varying in size from heron to the tiny goldcrest. A feeding station ensures a good chance of seeing tree sparrow and many other small birds attracted to the seeds. The diversity of habitats provides food and shelter in spring for a huge range of migrant songbirds.
Pitsford Reservoir was built to supply Northampton with water in 1955. Today the Trust leases the northern section of the reservoir, managing the area for wildlife in partnership with the owners, Anglian Water.
Additional information
- Access: This designated area can be enjoyed by obtaining a permit.
- Cycling and jogging are not allowed at this nature reserve.
- Scroll down to see the reserve boundary. Please note the boundary map is for indication purposes only and does not show the Wildlife Trusts definitive land boundary.
FOR ANY MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT OUR COMMUNICATIONS TEAM: communicationsteam@wildlifebcn.org or 01954 713500 and ask for comms team.
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Blogs
Episode one of In Conservation, our new podcast!
Our new podcast, In Conservation, is out now. Listen to the first episode, recorded at Pitsford Water nature reserve with Mischa Cross,…
A survey day gathers new moss!
Four moss species new to Pitsford have been identified
On bat patrol at Pitsford
On a bat survey at Pitsford Water nature reserve after extreme heat, Volunteer Officer Isabella Clarke detects an eerie silence . . .…
Betony at Upwood Meadows June - c. Robert Enderby
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