Groby Pool

Groby Pool is situated on the southern edge of the Charnwood Forest and is reputedly the largest natural expanse of open water in Leicestershire, covering 38 acres (15 ha). There was no mention of a lake in the Domesday Book, though it has been referred to since 1297. Research into the Lake sediments has confirmed that Groby Pool is of relatively recent origin. It may have resulted from the damming of Slate Brook in the 12th/13th century by the monks from Leicester abbey.

The complex plant and animal communities make Groby Pool one of the most significant wildlife areas in Leicestershire. Wet areas such as this are often drained so the land can be cultivated and this destroys the environment that some plants and animals need to survive. The unusual combination of habitants includes alder woodland, wet and dry grassland, marsh, reed swamp and open water. This supports a diverse range of plants and animals including breeding and over wintering bird communities and may species of butterflies and dragonflies. Groby Pool and the surrounding area are of great ecological importance and in recognition of this, the area was notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1956.