Watford Lodge

Watford Lodge, Ric McSherry

Watford Lodge, Ric McSherry

Kingfisher and Malcom Brown

Kingfisher and Malcom Brown 

Dipper, Andy Rouse 2020VISION

Dipper, Andy Rouse 2020VISION

Watford Lodge

A valuable wetland area providing habitat for frogs, toads and smooth and palmate newts - there is a great pond dipping platform perfect for a warm spring afternoon.

Location

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North of New Mills, alongside the River Sett
New Mills
Derbyshire
SK22 4HN

OS Map Reference

SK 0055 8648
A static map of Watford Lodge

Know before you go

Size
1 hectare
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Entry fee

No
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Parking information

Park in Batemill Road
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Access

Access with care

Dogs

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When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Spring and summer for insects, pond life and birdsong

About the reserve

Once supplying water to a printing works, Watford Lodge is now a valuable wetland area which provides habitat for frogs, toads and smooth and palmate newts.

It is also an ideal place for birdwatchers, with birds attracted by the neighbouring river and the marsh to the north of the reserve boundary.

By the river you may see kingfisher, dipper, grey wagtail and common sandpiper, while in the Lodge itself you can look for heron, mallard and moorhen. A pond dipping platform has been built for use by schools.

As well as the Lodge, the reserve contains an area of grassland, attracting a range of butterflies. Beside the road is a line of mature horse chestnut and ash trees, where several bird species have been recorded, including tits, thrushes, nuthatches and little and tawny owls.

Contact us

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 01773 881188