Summer Leys
Nene Valley Special Protection Area
What is the Nene Valley SPA?
The special protection area (SPA) is an important place for people, and for wildlife.
The Upper Nene Valley features a series of lakes and wetland grasslands, created by former gravel extraction. The gravel pits are formed of extensive shallow and deep open waters, alongside other features such as sparsely vegetated islands, gravel bars, and other “bird-friendly” habitats. This variety provides valuable resting and feeding conditions for wintering waterbirds.
Due to these valuable wetland conditions, the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits, is designated a Special Protection Area (SPA). The SPA stretches along the River Nene floodplain at Clifford Hill near Northampton and downstream to Thorpe Waterville, north of Thrapston.
Importance for wildlife:
- Every winter, 20,000 birds visit the SPA on their incredible migrations from the northern continent (Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia). These birds and their migration routes are protected under international law, so the SPA is extremely important to their survival, and their survival is important for the SPA.
- In the spring, the SPA becomes vital for breeding waders as the gravel pits provide muddy shorelines and grassy areas for grazing and ground nesting birds.
- Wetlands are vital hotspots for biodiversity, and the SPA provides a network of diverse habitats that support wildlife and to create a resilient and valuable ecosystem.
Importance for people:
- Wetlands are a powerful tool as we look to protect ourselves against the impacts of climate change: they serve as essential water storage during times of drought, as well as protect our homes during flooding.
- Wetlands also sequester and store carbon more efficiently than forests: one hectare of wetland can sequester 5-10 times more carbon than a forest hectare as carbon is locked in waterlogged soils for thousands of years.
- The SPA is a beautiful place to be, and offers a full range of recreational activities including fishing, walking, and even water sports.
How can people affect the wildlife?
The SPA lakes are an important area for humans as well as wildlife, but unfortunately, our activity can unintentionally cause disturbance that affects the regular feeding and breeding patterns of animals. When birds are disturbed they use up valuable energy stores they need to survive the winter. If disturbed, they might not return to an otherwise suitable area, or be able to eat enough to make it through the season. In winter, the shorter daylight hours make feeding time more precious.
Cycling, walking away from paths, dogs, drones, fishing, and other water sports can all have an impact. It can affect birds feeding on the shoreline and surrounding grassland, as well as those on the waterways.
Welcoming dogs on leads
Frequent disturbance is often more disruptive than one-off noticeable events. The most frequent disturbance occurs from dogs running free, so it is essential to keep your dog on a lead at all times when visiting the SPA with your companion. Read our blog to find out more.
Nene Valley Woofs has lots of great information about dogs and nature, including a great map showing where the best walks are for on- and off-lead adventures.
Top tips to protect SPA wildlife
- Watch for resting or feeding birds and move away if birds start to become alert or stop feeding
- Keep your dog on a lead at all times
- Pick up dog mess
- Stick to marked pathways and viewing areas
- Cycle on designated cycle paths only
- Fish only in designated areas
Planning and development
To help further limit disturbance and ensure harmony, a partnership of local conservation bodies has been formed to create the SPA mitigation group, this includes representation from local councils, Natural England, Wildlife Trust (BCN) River Nene Regional Park and other community organisations.
You can find out more by downloading our leaflet or visit the North Nothants Council website to understand how the SPA is being protected from future development.
Contact
Nene Valley SPA Engagement Officer – Lara Jones (Wildlife Trust BCN)
Email: lara.jones@wildlifebcn.org Telephone: 07928 513557
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Get involved
Active Quarter Partnership
Being outdoors is great! It's the perfect way to spend time with people we love and feel our best. Northampton has lots of great outdoor spaces, and local people are working to make them easier and more enjoyable to use. The Active Quarter partnership (focusing on the south side of town) brings people and places together to help make this happen. Visit the Active Quarter website to learn more, share your views and join in.
Work parties in the Nene Valley
Come and join one of our work parties for a wildlife work-out. It’s a good way to get some fresh air, keep fit and make a huge difference for local wildlife, helping us in our work to build and maintain a nature recovery network.
