Pitsford Water Nature & Wildlife
As a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, Pitsford Nature Reserve plays host to a diverse range of fascinating species and is a haven for wildlife.
What can I see?
Pitsford Water Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for the large numbers of wintering wildfowl and breeding birds that visit the site. The northern half of the reservoir is also a designated nature reserve and is particularly good for avid birdwatchers, with a range of diving birds, waders and more.
You can expect to find:
- Black-headed gulls
- Little egrets
- Common Turn
- Great northern divers (common loons)
- Great crested grebes
- Slavonian grebes (horned grebes)
- Song Thrush
- Swallows
- Goldeneye
- Willow Warbler
- Lapwings
- Chiffchaff
And, with a mix of grassland, wetland, woodland and scrub habitats it also supports a number of rare plants, healthy insect, mammal and amphibian populations, including:
- Common Blue Damselfly
- Burnet moths
- Cukooflower
- Large skipper moths
- Grass snakes

What can I do?
There’s a self-guided 7 mile walk through the nature reserve with eight bird hides dotted around the shoreline, including one disabled hide near to the Fishing Lodge.
Plus, we hold regular events on the nature reserve and you’re more than welcome to volunteer to get involved in any activities.
More information can be found on the dedicated Pitsford Water Nature Reserve website.
Pitsford Nature Reserve is managed in partnership with the Wildlife Trust BCN.


Do I need a nature reserve permit?
You can buy an annual nature reserve permit that’s valid here at Pitsford, as well as at Rutland, Hollowell, Taverham.
Or, if you prefer, day permits to Pitsford Water Park nature reserves are available at the fishing lodge at Holcot. And there’s a day permit discount for senior citizens and under 18's.
What’s more, there are small nature reserves at Hollowell reservoir with access restricted to Pitsford Nature Reserve season ticket holders only.
With regret dogs (except guide dogs), cycles and jogging are not permitted on Pitsford Nature Reserve.
Nature Reserve Permits for Pitsford Water Park and Hollowell Reservoir are available from:
Pitsford Water Fishing Lodge
Brixworth Road
Holcot
Northampton
NN6 9SJ
Telephone: 01604 781350
Email: parksinfo@anglianwater.co.uk
Members of the Wildlife Trust BCN can gain a free annual permit by contacting the Lings office on 01604 405285 with your membership number.
Our water parks not only bring vital water resources for the region, but they also provide a fantastic day out for all the family.
Whether you're looking for an action-packed day on the water, a spot of fishing to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life, or simply want to enjoy a relaxing walk in beautiful surroundings, look no further than our fabulous water parks.