Lemsford Springs
A fascinating array of habitats: shallow spring-fed lagoons, marsh, willow woodland, hedgerow and meadow.
Lemsford Springs is a small nature reserve of approximately 3.7 hectares. It is an old watercress bed which is a valuable habitat - particularly for waterbirds, as it does not freeze in cold winter weather. Water rail, snipe, and the green sandpiper may be seen from the hides. The green sandpiper feeds on the shrimps which are abundant in the freshwater lagoons. Each bird eats some 8000 shrimps per day! The lagoons also support fifty species of water snail.
Other birds to be seen are the kingfisher, nesting kestrels and grey wagtails. Mandarin duck also breed on the reserve.
Flowering plants on the reserve include star-of-bethlehem, ragged robin, butterbur and tussock sedge.
There are good bird viewing hides and a 'classroom' used by visiting groups.
A leaflet is available here
The management regime is designed to keep the lagoons and meadow in prime condition. This involves cutting and raking the watercress and grasses, as well as willow pollarding.
Access is by permit only. Contact Grebe House for details.
