Access on footpaths along the River Idle eastern bank track from the wooden gate by Chainbridge Lane Bridge and along the sites eastern fence line through the metal kissing gate from Chainbridge Lane track running south along the deep ditch.

The main island here is home to breeding waders, geese, ducks and Little Grebe with Shelduck, Tufted Duck and Gadwall also having bred here on a few occasions. Waders including Avocet, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover have all bred amongst the dense wetland vegetation here which also houses excellent numbers of breeding Lapwing.

Spring and autumn migration bring waders and terns to this site and Whimbrel are regularly seen here with Curlew, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Turnstone and godwits. Winter sees regular sightings of owls and Hen Harrier has been noted more recently.

The vegetation around the lake is mixed grasses and weeds and is mowed and grazed by cattle. This management has helped the site stay free of scrub which has helped to attract migrants including Wheatear, Whinchat, Stonechat and Yellow Wagtails. Both Meadow Pipit and Skylark breed here alongside Reed Bunting and a small but increasing population of Reed Warbler in the establishing reeds around the site. These reedbeds are the regular haunt of a small number of Bearded Tits that seem to pass through in late autumn for the past three years. Every visit will find a fresh set of birds but the best time to visit (as is generally the norm for the whole site) would be on a general light easterly wind after light rain in the morning. These conditions often produce the goods for the keen birdwatchers.

Rarities

Rarities have included:

• Red-footed Falcon (2000),
• Great Skua (2012),
• Lesser Scaup (2013),
• Blue-winged Teal (2014),
• Cattle Egret (2016)
• White-tailed Eagle
• Buff-breasted Sandpiper (2020)

Scarce Species

Regular sightings of scare species including:

• Temminck’s Stint,
• Pectoral Sandpiper,
• Hen Harrier,
• Short-eared Owl,
• Long-eared Owl,
• Red Kite,
• Peregrine and Merlin noted.