Rutland Water, Egleton NR
Details
Wildlife Highlights
The reserve is an important wildfowl sanctuary and for some species numbers have reached international significance including gadwall and shoveler. The reservoir has attracted more than 23,000 birds at one time and in the winter months up to 28 species of wildfowl are recorded, including rare species such as scaup, smew, long-tailed duck, scoter and Bewick's swan. Rare grebes, such as black-necked, red-necked and Slavonian, are recorded regularly. In most winters, divers can be seen in the deeper stretches of the reservoir, the commonest being the great northern diver. Areas of rank vegetation attract birds of prey such as barn and short-eared owls, whilst in summer, hobbies chase the newly emerged dragonflies. Ospreys are now breeding at the reserve. Adult birds can be seen from early April to mid September after which they migrate to Africa. www.ospreys.org.uk
Description
The best nature reserve in Leicestershire and Rutland, the Egleton site is the largest of several key wildlife sites around the reservoir. This reserve, together with the Lyndon reserve and Burley Fishponds is owned by Anglian Water and managed by the Wildlife Trust. The entire reserve area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Ramsar site and a European Special Protection Area. It covers 315.6 ha.
It is particularly special for birds but the variety of habitats ensures it is also excellent habitat for a most types of wildlife. Habitats include numerous lagoons and ponds at the edge of the reservoir, traditionally managed meadows and grassland, and both new and established woodland.
A charge is made for entrance to the reserves (both Egleton and Lyndon are included on the same ticket). Access for the disabled is good, particularly at Lyndon. Dogs are not allowed.
Latest Records
| Common Name | Latin Name | Date Recorded | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-tailed Tit | Aegithalos caudatus | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Horse-chestnut | Aesculus hippocastanum | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Small Tortoiseshell | Aglais urticae | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Egyptian Goose | Alopochen aegyptiacus | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Shoveller | Anas clypeata | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Teal | Anas crecca | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Wigeon | Anas penelope | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Mallard | Anas platyrhynchos | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Gadwall | Anas strepera | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Greylag Goose | Anser anser | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Hairy-footed Flower Bee | Anthophora plumipes | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Grey Heron | Ardea cinerea | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Tufted Duck | Aythya fuligula | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Buff-tailed Bumblebee | Bombus terrestris | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
| Canada Goose | Branta canadensis | 22/03/2012 | David Nicholls |
Getting There
Egleton village lies 2 km south east of Oakham and can be reached from either the A606 (Oakham to Stamford road) or the A6003 (Oakham to Uppingham road). A track runs east from the village to the nature reserve car park.
Public transport option - train or bus to Oakham followed by a 3km walk mostly along field paths to Egleton.
