Stockers Lake
A large water-filled gravel pit with islands. The lake attracts an astonishing number of waterbirds.
Stocker's Lake is one of the oldest gravel pits in the Colne Valley. Wintering duck such as shoveler and goldeneye are common visitors in nationally important numbers. There are over sixty recorded species of breeding birds, including the common tern which breeds on specially constructed rafts in the lake. The heronry is the largest in the county.
Around the margins of the lake are areas of reed and sedge marsh with meadow-rue, meadowsweet and the locally rare large bittercress providing the wildflower interest. There are also areas of alder carr and willow scrub. Warblers frequent these areas in spring.
The site is part of the Colne Valley lakes at Rickmansworth and is almost adjacent to Springwell Reedbed.
Stocker's Lake is designated a Local Nature Reserve. The Trust has a management agreement with the owner, Three Valleys Water, and works with the local Friends of Stockers Lake.
Stockers Lake work parties
Friends of Stockers Lake run a monthly work party on the first Sunday of the month ( no work parties during summer months). For more details please ring Mitch on 01923 210478.
