Birding sites in North West Leicestershire
Blackbrook Reservoir
Situated mid-way between Whitwick and Shepshed, Blackbrook Reservoir is the smallest and least-visited of our trio of ‘Charnwood Reservoirs’. The site lies almost exclusively in private Severn Trent Water land which makes viewing problematic, with the waterbody being visible from just a single public footpath. There is limited roadside parking on Charley Road at SK 4680 1739, from where a public footpath follows One Barrow Lane south-west and across the Black Brook inlet stream after which the reservoir is named. A large portion of the reservoir can be viewed from the bridge which crosses this stream and divides a smaller lake in the eastern arm.
The overgrown banks, steep sides and deep water of Blackbrook are not ideal habitat for waterbirds and one is often greeted with very little of avian interest, however some noteworthy bird records have been amassed over the years. Highlights include both Bewick’s and Whooper Swans, Pink-footed and White-fronted Geese, and Ferruginous Duck. The site supports a healthy breeding population of Mandarin Ducks, which is supplemented by wintering arrivals.
Staunton Harold Reservoir
The majority of the reservoir is in Derbyshire, but the eastern half of the southern arm (the right hand side as you look from the bridge) is in Leicestershire. Park in the car park at SK 37829 21975, nearest post code DE73 8BH, and walk down the path to view the reservoir from the bridge. Notable birds here have included the only county record of Razorbill, way back in 1970, and more recently Ring-necked Duck and Great Northern Diver in winter 2020/21.
Just south of the reservoir is the LRWT reserve of Dimminsdale, which has common woodland birds, and has had Pied Flycatcher in the past. On the north side of the road is Spring Wood, a Derbyshire Wildlife Trust reserve, where Pied Flycatcher is also a possibility.
Warren Hills
This part of the Charnwood Lodge LRWT reserve is open to the public via paths which run the length of the reserve. Park either in the lay-by on the Warren Hills Road at SK 46278 14542, nearest post code LE67 4UY or in the smaller one on Abbey Road (room for half a dozen cars): SK 45672 15308, LE67 4UA.
Species are similar to those at Charnwood Lodge; Ring Ouzels are annual on spring passage from late March onwards, usually in the fields and along the drystone walls that slope down towards Colony Reservoir. Do not enter these fields under any circumstances! Wheatears are also regular on passage and Tree Pipits breed in small numbers.