Broadwater Lake

A large lake in the Colne Valley which supports huge numbers of waterbirds.

Location

Off Moorhall Rd

Harefield

Hertfordshire

UB9 5HJ

OS Map Reference

TQ 045 884

Know before you go

Size

19 hectares

Entry fee

Free

Parking information

There is no parking on site, the closest street parking is Link Way, Denham Green (0.3 miles to reserve).

Walking trails

Nearby: Grand Union Canal towpath; Colne Valley Trail

Access

Rutted and muddy tracks.

Dogs

On a lead

Facilities

Bird hides

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to July, November to February

About the reserve

A nationally important lake in the Colne Valley which supports huge numbers of waterbirds. Of the four lakes within the Mid Colne Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest, Broadwater Lake is by far the biggest and is one of the largest expanses of open water in the Colne Valley. The nature reserve includes Korda Lake, Long Pond, the River Colne and the western side of Broadwater Lake. Wintering birds include great crested grebe, cormorant, gadwall, shoveler, tufted duck, pochard, wigeon, teal, goldeneye, smew and coot.

Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Cetti’s warbler, house martin, sand martin, swallow.
Summer: Broad bodied chaser, Daubenton’s bat, emperor dragonfly.
Autumn: Chiffchaff, hobby, redwing, pochard, tufted duck.
Winter: Goldeneye, goosander, smew.

Contact us

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Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Directions

Site entrance: The site entrance is located on Moorhall Road. Approaching from Link Way, turn left onto Moorfield Road (turns into Moorhall Road), the reserve will be on your left just after you cross the river.

Access by road: From A412 in Denham Green, turn into Moorfield Road. Turn left and park on Link Way.

Access by public transport
Bus: 331 – Moorfield Road (300m)
Rail: Denham (0.5 miles).