Broad Colney Lakes
A peaceful refuge for both wildlife and people, where great crested grebes breed.
The three lakes are quite different from one another: one is fed by the River Colne, one is relatively still and deep and the smallest has partially developed into marshy woodland. A variety of land and water birds can be found here. Great crested grebes can be seen on the lake, along with tufted duck, whilst in the alder trees flocks of siskin feed, along with mixed flocks of finches and tits. Otters travelling up and down the River Colne pass through the reserve.
The range of habitats, from open water through wet woodland into dry grassland, offer suitable conditions for many different plants. These range from emergent plants such as fringed water lily in the deeper water. Twenty-one species of tree and shrub have been recorded including five species of willow.
The reserve is managed in order to maintain and enhance the diversity of species, particularly around the margins of the lake. More open conditions are created to encourage vegetation which is vital for aquatic insects such as damselflies and dragonflies.
The freehold to the reserve was donated to the Trust by Lafarge Ltd in 1977.
Access to the reserve has been improved with a path network suitable for people with disabilities. Download a leaflet.
