College Lake Nature Reserve (BBOWT)

Once a chalk quarry, College Lake is now one of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust's flagship nature reserves, currently supporting more than 1,000 different wildlife species. This is a great destination for bird watchers at any time of the year due to the large numbers of waders (such as lapwings and redshanks) present, which can be viewed from one of the eleven bird hides around the reserve. College lake is also home to various small mammals, birds of prey, rare butterfly species (such as the small blue) and unique cornfield flowers.

The reserve also has an impressive range of facilities and educational exhibits, including a Bee Centre, Farming Exhibition, Outlook Inn (for under 5's), a cafe and a recently opened eco visitor centre which offers stunning views over the lake. Time your visit to coincide with one of the seasonal guided walks or family fun days (see website), or follow one of the suggested circular walks such as the Tring Reservoirs Wild Walk (see website) or the Wildlife Walk (follow the lapwing markers).

College Lake has it's own car park, which can be accessed by following the B488 ¼ mile north of canal bridge at Bulbourne, then turning left into the signed entrance. Alternatively, the reserve is a 1 mile walk (approximately) from the Ridgeway National Trail.

Discover more about College Lake through the Ridgeway Top 50 Industrial Heritage and Butterflies.