Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve - Image 1
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Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve

4.5
·107 reviews·Peterborough, United Kingdom

A tranquil nature reserve offering diverse birdlife and peaceful walks along the River Welland, perfect for nature lovers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Nesting season buzz

CrowdLow
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Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve - Image 1

Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve

Best Time

Spring mornings

Nesting season buzz

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil nature reserve offering diverse birdlife and peaceful walks along the River Welland, perfect for nature lovers.

4.5
(107 reviews)

"Great place lots of variety and close up birds the walking can also be pretty much as far and as long as you choose."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Mind the Driveway!

The access road is rough with potholes. Drive slowly and carefully to avoid damaging your car.

🔭 Bring Your Binoculars

Essential for spotting the diverse birdlife and wildlife. You won't regret it!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Birdwatching Paradise

Birdwatching Paradise

Birdwatching hides

Spot diverse birdlife, including cormorants, starlings, and even owls. Bring binoculars for an up-close experience.

Tranquil Walks

Tranquil Walks

Walking trails

Enjoy peaceful 1.8-mile walks through varied habitats, perfect for relaxation and photography.

Stunning Wildlife Sightings

Stunning Wildlife Sightings

Various locations

Witness starlings in their natural behavior and look out for other wildlife like damselflies.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for Potholes!

The access road and car park at Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve are notorious for potholes and standing water after rain. Drive slowly and be prepared for a bumpy ride. Consider this before visiting, especially in larger vehicles.

Embrace the Wild

This is a natural reserve, so expect uneven terrain and limited amenities. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and be aware that dogs are not allowed within the reserve itself, though they can be walked on the riverbank.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Nesting season buzz
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Golden light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

.⠀⠀⠀ 🇬🇧🌿 NatureInBritain presents:⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ Featured artist: @woodforthetr33s⠀ Location: Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve⠀ ⠀ A stunning Long Eared Owl 🦉⠀ _______________________________________⠀ ⠀ Featured by: Caz @caropics⠀⠀ ______________________________________⠀ ⠀ Friends of our page: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @excellent_britain ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @excellent_universe ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @excellent_mountains⠀⠀⠀⠀ @excellent_bestmacro⠀⠀⠀⠀ @excel...
natureinbritain
101 likes • 798 views

🚗 Mind the Driveway!

The access road is rough with potholes. Drive slowly and carefully to avoid damaging your car. Reddit

🔭 Bring Your Binoculars

Essential for spotting the diverse birdlife and wildlife. You won't regret it! Reddit

Today my mum and I visited one of our absolute favourite places to go to here in Lincolnshire! 😍 Deeping Lakes is a beautiful nature reserve to visit and walk around. Definitely recommend if you’re in the Lincolnshire area. As it’s just up the road from my hometown it’s a really lovely place to go to for walks and picnics! There’s also plenty to see. My favourite is all the cormorants who sit in...
clementineroseb
29 likes • 369 views
My favourite nature reserve- Deeping Lakes 🍃
angharadrosewrites
0 likes • 158 views

📸 Perfect for Photographers

Capture stunning shots of birds and nature. The light can be beautiful in the mornings and afternoons. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Walks

Enjoy quiet, relatively flat walks. Great for a relaxing escape. Instagram

Starlings doing what Starlings do best. Nice to see them land in the reeds and hear their chatter. This was at Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve a few weeks back. On my last visit they were being harassed by a sparrow hawk so it looks as though they’ve moved on. It was lovely while it lasted, like most things. #canonuk #canonr5 #canonr5markii #naturephotography #wildlife #british_wildlife_hub #wil...
lee_daniels_photo_and_film
33 likes • 560 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Mind the Driveway!

The access road is rough with potholes. Drive slowly and carefully to avoid damaging your car. Reddit

🔭 Bring Your Binoculars

Essential for spotting the diverse birdlife and wildlife. You won't regret it! Reddit

📸 Perfect for Photographers

Capture stunning shots of birds and nature. The light can be beautiful in the mornings and afternoons. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Walks

Enjoy quiet, relatively flat walks. Great for a relaxing escape. Instagram

🚫 No Dogs Allowed

Dogs are not permitted within the reserve, but can be walked on the adjacent riverbank. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(107 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve is praised for its natural beauty, diverse birdlife, and peaceful walking trails, offering a free and tranquil escape. However, visitors consistently highlight the poor condition of the access road and car park, which can be muddy and pothole-ridden, detracting from the overall experience.

"Great place lots of variety and close up birds the walking can also be pretty much as far and as long as you choose which a real plus. I would have given the place five stars but the driveway in is pothole central and will soon start damaging cars the car park itself is also in need of attention,we went after it had rained and struggled to find a spot that wasn't ankle deep water those are the only down sides to this place 👍👍"

dan G

"It was easy to find it. Has a small 1.8 miles walk around this beautiful forest. And its quiet and peaceful. There are benches around but not the bins.

Car park is free. There tiny animals around and bird watching places. Nice way to relax and paint."

Kami Ambraz

"Had a great time walking and taking pictures."

Dave Perrons

What People Like

Abundant birdlife
Peaceful walks
Free entry

What People Dislike

Potholed access road
Muddy car park

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The reserve is located east of Deeping St James. While it's easy to find, be prepared for a rough access road with significant potholes. Reddit Parking is available on-site.

Yes, there is a car park available. However, it can be muddy and have standing water after rain, and the access road leading to it is known for its potholes. Reddit

Yes, the car park has no height barrier, which is a relief for larger vehicles like campervans. However, the narrow roadway leading to it can be a challenge. Reddit

Information on public transport accessibility is limited, but given the rural location and the condition of the access road, driving is likely the most practical option. Reddit

While there's no guaranteed pothole-free route, driving slowly and cautiously is the best approach. Some visitors have noted the road can be 'pothole central'. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve is a free site. You can park and walk without any admission charges. Reddit

As a nature reserve, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific opening and closing times are not usually posted, but it's best to visit during reasonable daylight for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

No booking is required as it is a free-access nature reserve. Simply turn up and enjoy your visit. Reddit

The main restriction is that dogs are not allowed within the nature reserve itself, though they can be walked on a lead along the river bank. Reddit

Maps of the site are available online from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, which runs the reserve. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The birdwatching hides offer excellent opportunities for close-up shots of birds. The varied habitats and the river Welland also provide beautiful scenic photography opportunities. InstagramReddit

You can photograph a variety of birds, including starlings, cormorants, and potentially owls. Damselflies are also present. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, it's a great spot for wildlife photography due to the diverse birdlife and the opportunities to get relatively close, especially from the hides. InstagramReddit

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating a beautiful atmosphere. Instagram

Bring a telephoto lens for birds and be patient. The light can be magical, especially during golden hours. Instagram

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, birdwatching from hides, and simply relaxing in nature. It's a peaceful place for a stroll or to observe wildlife. InstagramReddit

There is a pleasant 1.8-mile walk around the reserve, offering a good opportunity to explore the different habitats. Reddit

Yes, there are benches located around the reserve, providing places to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Reddit

It can be a lovely spot for a picnic, especially on a nice day. However, be aware that there are no bins within the reserve, so you'll need to take your litter with you. InstagramReddit

The reserve features different habitats, including lakes and areas along the river Welland, supporting a variety of wildlife. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Nature & Wildlife

You can see a variety of birds, including starlings, cormorants (especially during nesting season), and potentially owls. Damselflies are also common. TikTokInstagramReddit

Spring is ideal for observing nesting birds like cormorants. Starlings can be seen at various times, and owls are more elusive. Reddit

Yes, there are birdwatching hides available, offering good vantage points for observing the local birdlife. Reddit

Yes, Long Eared Owls have been spotted at Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve. TikTok

The reserve is situated alongside the river Welland, which forms part of its diverse habitat and offers opportunities for dog walking on the bank. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve offers a peaceful escape for families, though it's important to manage expectations regarding amenities. The 1.8-mile walk is manageable for most children, providing a chance to explore nature and spot wildlife. Reddit Bring binoculars to make birdwatching more engaging for younger visitors. Reddit Be prepared for the rough access road and car park; consider this when choosing your vehicle and be mindful of children's safety in potentially muddy or uneven areas. Reddit Remember that dogs are not allowed in the reserve, so plan accordingly if you have a pet. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Walkers

For those who love nature and walking, Deeping Lakes is a tranquil destination. The reserve offers a pleasant 1.8-mile circuit with varied habitats to explore. Reddit It's a free-to-enter site, making it an accessible option for a relaxing day out. Reddit Birdwatchers will particularly appreciate the hides and the chance to see species like cormorants and starlings. Reddit The peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature make it a worthwhile visit, despite the challenging access road. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Deeping Lakes is a fantastic spot for nature photographers. The reserve provides excellent opportunities to capture wildlife, especially birds like starlings and cormorants, from the designated hides. TikTokReddit The varied landscapes along the River Welland also offer scenic shots. Reddit Aim for early mornings or late afternoons to take advantage of the beautiful natural light. Instagram While the access road can be rough, the photographic rewards are often worth the journey. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Terrain: Access and Parking

Visitors to Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve should be prepared for a challenging arrival. The access road leading to the reserve is frequently described as being in poor condition, with numerous potholes that can make for a bumpy and potentially damaging journey for vehicles. Reddit This is a recurring theme in visitor feedback, so driving slowly and cautiously is highly recommended, especially for those in larger vehicles or with lower clearance. The car park itself also requires attention; after rain, it can become muddy with significant standing water, making parking and navigating the area difficult. Reddit Despite these challenges, the car park does not have a height barrier, which is a relief for campervan owners. Reddit

While the access and parking present hurdles, the reserve itself offers a rewarding experience. The free entry and the opportunity for peaceful walks make it an attractive destination. However, the lack of bins within the reserve means visitors are expected to take all their litter with them, reinforcing the natural and self-sufficient ethos of the site. Reddit The presence of benches offers respite during walks, allowing visitors to pause and appreciate the surroundings. Reddit

A Haven for Birdwatchers and Photographers

Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve is a gem for anyone interested in birdwatching and nature photography. The reserve is home to a diverse array of avian species, with visitors frequently spotting starlings, cormorants, and even the elusive Long Eared Owl. TikTokReddit The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, which manages the site, provides information boards and birdwatching hides that enhance the viewing experience, allowing for closer observation of the birds in their natural habitat. Reddit The cormorants, in particular, are a notable sight, with many nests observed in trees on the island during breeding seasons. Reddit

For photographers, the reserve offers ample opportunities to capture stunning wildlife and scenic shots. The varied habitats, including the lakes and the adjacent River Welland, provide beautiful backdrops. Reddit Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly recommended for photography, as the golden light can create a magical atmosphere. Instagram Bringing binoculars is a must for birdwatchers, and a telephoto lens will be invaluable for photographers looking to get detailed shots of the wildlife. Reddit The peaceful nature of the reserve also contributes to a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal location for both quiet observation and creative pursuits. Instagram

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