Bolton-On-Swale Lake Nature Reserve

Bolton-on-Swale Lake nature reserve is located on the site of a former sand and gravel quarry along the River Swale in the Yorkshire Dales. Now managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the quarry was flooded and landscaped to create a lake, with trees and shrubs planted at its northern end.

Today, the reserve attracts a wide range of wetland birds. In winter, large flocks of wildfowl gather here, including wigeons, goldeneyes, pochards, tufted ducks, teals, gadwalls, and shovelers. Several islands in the lake also provide habitat for wading birds such as little egrets, common sandpipers, lapwings, oystercatchers, ringed plovers, and little ringed plovers. Herons and cormorants are frequently seen fishing, sand martins nest in the banks of the islands, and ospreys are occasional visitors in the autumn.

The surrounding trees support woodland species such as long-tailed tits, blackcaps, treecreepers, jays, and coal tits. In the scrubby areas, keep an eye out for yellow wagtails, sedge warblers, garden warblers, greenfinches, and skylarks, while in winter, large numbers of curlews can be seen feeding in the grassy margins around the lake.

Several surfaced paths wind through the reserve, and two bird hides offer excellent views across the water. A car park is available near the entrance, although there are no facilities on site. However, toilets and a café can be found nearby at Lakeside Country Park.

Please note, no dogs, except assistant dogs wearing service jackets, are allowed on the reserve.