Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve

Located near Bury St Edmunds, Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve is a diverse landscape of lakes, reedbeds, meadows, and woodland. Managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the lakes themselves are former sand and gravel pits in the River Lark Valley and have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Spring brings great-crested grebes, little grebes, kingfishers, tufted ducks, and water rails to the lakes, along with occasional sightings of great white egrets and little egrets. The surrounding woodland is alive with warblers, treecreepers, nuthatches, linnets, and nightingales, while bird feeders attract long-tailed tits, marsh tits, goldfinches, greenfinches, and bullfinches.

In summer, swallows and house martins skim low over the water, catching insects in flight. Skylarks nest in the dry grasslands, while lapwings and snipes breed in the marshy meadows. Birds of prey, including sparrowhawks, red kites, marsh harriers, buzzards, and kestrels, can be seen soaring above the reserve.

Autumn marks the arrival of wintering wildfowl such as shovelers, gadwalls, goosanders, goldeneyes, and bitterns. The lakes also offer an excellent vantage point for witnessing spectacular starling murmurations.

The reserve has a variety of trails suitable for all ages and abilities. The Kingfisher Trail is fully wheelchair accessible, and parts of the reserve can also be explored using a mobility scooter. Numerous bird hides provide the perfect opportunity to observe wildlife up close without disturbing them.

The visitor centre, open seven days a week, offers a selection of bird feeders, gifts, and books, with staff on hand to assist visitors. Binoculars and bird or bug spotting kits for children are available for hire.

The café serves hot snacks, sandwiches, soups, cakes, and ice cream, along with a range of hot and cold drinks. Positioned near the bird feeders, it allows visitors to watch birds while taking a break.

Other facilities include accessible toilets & baby changing facilities, free WiFi, a children’s play area, and a car park with disabled parking spaces and EV charging points

Please note, dogs are only permitted on the Sayer’s Breck Trail and must be kept on a lead to protect wildlife. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the entire reserve.