SWITHLAND RESERVOIR
Mixed habitats mean a wide variety of species
Located in Charnwood Forest, Swithland Reservoir attracts good numbers and variety of wildfowl in winter, and some passage waders when water levels drop, while the wooded surroundings add plenty of passerine interest. It’s a scenic spot, too, with the Great Central steam railway crossing the reservoir on a viaduct. MATT MERRITT
WHERE TO WATCH
1 The ‘causeway’ offers views of the smaller sections of the reservoir. In winter, they can play host to large numbers of wildfowl
– check for the likes of Smew among the more familiar species such as Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Teal and Shoveler. Mandarins are often present – check under the overhanging trees on the west side, and around the island.
2 A walk along Kinchley Lane looking into Buddon Wood can add several species to your list. Sadly, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Willow Tit have both disappeared from here, but Marsh Tit is still a possibility, plus the commoner tits and finches. The most prominent tree on the skyline here (viewed from the dam) is a regular perch for Peregrines all year round.
3 Check along the dam and outflow – Pied Wagtails are regular, often joined by Grey, and sometimes White on passage. Common Sandpipers also pass through. The settling pools behind the dam used to be used by Common Terns for fishing when they nested on the reservoir – they’re worth checking for herons and egrets. The trees behind the dam hold tits, finches and Nuthatches. Look up for Buzzard, occasional Red Kite, and Hobby in summer.
4 The main part of the reservoir holds more ducks – Mallard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall and Shoveler, with some Pochards and occasional scarcer species such as Smew, Goosander, Scaup and Pintail. Check the many Greylag and Canada Geese in autumn and winter for the likes of Pink-footed Goose. There will be plenty of Great Crested Grebes in winter, with the scarcer grebes possible on passage. Grey Herons and Little Egrets are plentiful, with Great White Egrets becoming more common. Gulls are mainly Black-headed.
5 As water levels drop, a muddy shore and spit emerge here – Dunlin and Little Ringed Plovers are the most likely waders to drop in, but past records have included Greenshank.