Bodenham Lake
Location
OS Map Reference
SO 529512View on What3Words
Know before you go
Dogs
On a lead when livestock are grazing
When to visit
Opening times
Dawn to dusk dailyBest time to visit
All yearAbout the reserve
One of the largest stretches of open water in Herefordshire, covering around 50 acres, Bodenham Lake today is an important overwintering and breeding area for wildfowl and other aquatic wildlife. The lake is designated as a Site of Local Importance and, where the reserve borders the River Lugg, it is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation.
More than 170 species of birds have been recorded here while otters are regularly spotted. The lake is also a key breeding site for toads and thousands follow historic migratory routes to the lake each spring. With so much water about, it is also a good site for dragonflies and damsels in the summer, while the meadows and weedy areas are full of butterflies.
Please note: fishing, swimming or water sports are not permitted in the lake outside of authorised activity.
Species
Contact us
Directions
From Hereford, follow the A49 north and turn right to Bodenham village, signposted to The Railway Inn. Once past the pub, the reserve is on the right-hand side a few minutes along this road. If you come to the war memorial, you have gone too far!
Annual car park permits
An annual permit for parking costs £65 and covers both Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve and Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum.
You can also purchase a permit at our Queenswood Visitor Centre or download an application form and return it by post to: Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum, Dinmore Hill, Herefordshire, HR6 OPY. Cheques should be made payable to: Herefordshire Wildlife Trust.
Bodenham Lake site map
The Bodenham Lake Diaries by Wendy Rushton
Davies Meadow Nature Reserve (Paul Lloyd)
Join today and receive a free Nature Reserves guide
When you join us as a member of Herefordshire Wildlife Trust you will receive our Herefordshire Nature Reserves Guide with full details of all our nature reserves including maps and species of interest.
