Length:            TBC

Duration:         TBC

Difficulty:         Easy

Direction:        Circular

Accessibility:  Please see Staffordshire Wildlife Trust website for more details

 

Summary

The former gravel pit Tucklesholme is located on the banks of the River Trent near Barton under Needwood. The site has been restored to a wetland habitat providing a home for a number of key breading species that specialise in this open wetland environment such as oystercatcher, skylark, shelduck and common sandpiper.

The lakes form part of what is a long network of extraction lakes created as a result of mineral working. It is anticipated that over the coming years, more lakes will be restored for nature and the area will become a nationally significant wetland site. A series of lakes currently stretch for 8km from Croxall in the south to Tucklesholme in the north.

The exposed sandy shingles on the southern lake provide valuable nesting habitat for rare birds such as little ringed plover and oystercatcher, while the reedbeds offer the perfect spot for sedge and reed warblers to raise their young.

In the spring, sand martins migrate to the UK to nest in sandy banks. An artificial nesting bank on the northern lake has been created to attract them to breed here. On still spring days they fly low over the water, hunting insects.

The open water of the southern lake is great for over-wintering wildfowl – many different species of geese and ducks come to the UK to escape harsher winters elsewhere.

Also listen out for the high pitched call or the flash of iridescent blue of the beautiful kingfisher as they dart down the river hunting for fish. Spot the beautiful courtship dance of the Great Crested Grebes.

 

Starting Point:

The reserve car park is just off Station Lane to the east of the A38 in the direction of Walton-on-Trent. Nearest postcode is DE13 8EN

or Barton Marina, Barton Turns, Barton under Needwood, Staffordshire, DE13 8DZ

 

Opening times:

Open all year round.

Winter: 1st October – 31st March: The reserve car park is locked promptly at 5pm and opens at 8am.

Summer: 1st April – 30th Sept: The reserve car park is locked promptly at 7pm and opens at 8am.

The car park is locked in evenings – please check the signs in the car park for seasonal closing times.

 

Facilities:

• Car Park – FREE
• Bird Hides

Refreshments:

See Barton Marina here 

 

Map:

You can download a walk route map here

You can see an interactive map of Tucklesholme Nature Reserve in the Summer here

You can see an interactive map of Tucklesholme Nature Reserve in the Autumn here

 

Bus:

TBC

Train:

Burton upon Trent

 

Other attractions in the area:

See bottom of page

 

Click on the first image to start the slide show

 

Photo Credit: Paul L G Morris