Aqualate Mere NNR

This nature reserve is designated under RAMSAR as an internationally important wetland reserve for its habitats and overwintering wildfowl populations. Wildlife can be viewed in close quarters from the public observation hide at the eastern end of the 72 hectares Mere. The mere supports a diverse fish population, large numbers of wintering and breeding wildfowl and the reedbed supports birds such as reed warbler, sedge warbler and reed bunting with the occasional visiting marsh harrier and osprey, hunting barn owl and buzzard are also seen regularly in the area. Mammals found here include otter, polecat, stoat, water vole, yellow necked mouse, harvest mouse, and bats such as pipistrelle and Daubenton's