Lucas’ Marsh Nature Reserve

Lucas’ Marsh, managed by the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust, is a Local Nature Reserve nestled within Brock’s Hill Country Park, just a few miles from Leicester city centre. Though modest in size at just 2 hectares, it comprises a rich variety of habitats, including marsh, scrub, rough grassland, and areas dotted with dense groups of trees and mature hedgerows.

In spring, the reserve comes alive with birdsong. Keep an eye – and ear – out for chiffchaffs, song thrushes, spotted flycatchers, blackcaps, willow warblers, bullfinches, jays, and great spotted woodpeckers. With a bit of luck, you might even glimpse a tiny goldcrest. Moorhens and kingfishers have also been recorded breeding here.
During summer, greenfinches, goldfinches, and chaffinches frequent the scrubby patches, while buzzards are often seen soaring overhead.

In winter, flocks of redwings and fieldfares arrive to feed on guelder rose berries, and birds such as robins, wrens, long-tailed tits, and blackbirds find shelter in the hedgerows.

An intermittent boardwalk weaves through the reserve, but note that the ground can become boggy in wet weather. Parking is available at the visitor centre car park within the Country Park, where you’ll also find accessible toilets with baby-changing facilities, a café serving snacks and a range of hot and cold drinks, and a gift shop.

Please note, dogs are not allowed on the reserve.