Lavell's Local Nature Reserve

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About Lavell's Lake Local Nature Reserve 

Lavell's Lake Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is a 15 hectare area set to the north of Dinton Pastures Country Park, opposite Dinton Activity Centre on Sandford Lane. The lake itself is surrounded by a mixture of managed wetland habitats containing reed beds, sedges, grassy areas, coppiced scrub and hedgerows. The River Loddon runs along the western boundary of the reserve.

A small conservation meadow and an open access meadow lie to the southeast of the lake. The area was deemed a conservation area in 1984 and officially became a local nature reserve (LNR) on the 7th of July 1987, and is now joint-managed by Wokingham Borough Council Countryside Service and the Lavell’s Wetland Trust (formerly Friends of Lavell’s Lake). 

The site is popular with bird-watchers due to the vast array of rare birds visiting and nesting, including Great White Egrets, Kingfishers, Bitterns, and Green Sandpipers.

The northern and eastern lake boundaries, and adjacent conservation meadow, are designated wildlife conservation areas and not accessible to the public. However, the meadow adjoining the car park, the main ride running alongside Sandford Lane, the two bird hides and the path next to the River Loddon are open to the public.

Parking Facilities 

Lavell’s LNR has its own car park. Parking tickets can be purchased from the parking machines in the Dinton Activity Centre car park over the road, or by using Ringo mobile payments.

Accessibility

The majority of formal footpaths on the site are rough hard-surfaced, Bittern Hide has a wheelchair accessible tarmac path running from the car park to the bird hide. There are no formal paths in the meadow. All paths may become muddy in wetter months. There are no steep inclines on the site. Therefore, most of the site is accessible to wheelchair users who have sturdy chairs.

Site Considerations

Please help us to keep the site clean, tidy and safe by following these rules:

• Please pick up after your dog and make use of the bins on site, or take it home with you. You can be fined up to £1000 for not picking up after your dog.
• Please keep dogs under control.
• Please take litter home or use the bins provided. 
• No fires or BBQs to be had on site.
• No drones or metal detectors to be used on the site.
• No camping/sleeping on site.
• Cyclists, please follow the code of conduct:
• Give way to pedestrians and wheelchair users.
• Be courteous and patient with pedestrians and other path users who are moving more slowly than you – shared paths are for sharing, not speeding.
• Slow down as needed when space is limited or if you cannot see clearly ahead.
• Be particularly careful at junctions, bends, entrances onto the path, or any other ‘blind spots’ where people (including children) could appear in front of you without warning.
• Carry a bell and use it or an audible greeting – avoid surprising people.
• However, don’t assume people can see or hear you – remember that many people are hard of hearing or visually impaired.
• In dull and dark weather make sure you have lights so you can be seen.

Please report any issues such as vandalism, fallen trees blocking paths, or damaged furniture to the countryside service on 0118 934 2016, or email countryside@wokingham.gov.uk

Map

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