Discover
NATURE
What wildlife
to see in Summer
Heritage
Learning from the past,
building for the future
Adventure
Where the adventure
lasts all day
Whatever your area of interest, Stanwick Lakes offers nature, hertiage and adventure activities for all the family. This page will help you plan your day.
CHARITY NO. 1050157
As wetland habitat, Stanwick Lakes is a designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and provides a home and migratory destination for several key species of waterfowl such as Gadwall (a type of duck) and songbirds such as the Cetti Warbler.
You are able to observe mammals here too, such as otters, squirrels and muntjac deer. There is also the evidence of more inconspicuous animals and insects, which is recorded by regular habitat surveys.
The discovery of several significant finds from important periods in history, the Stanwick Lakes heritage team work to explore the area’s past and bring it to life with events and demonstrations.
With the support of Heritage Lottery.
To create adventure that lasts all day,
Stanwick Lakes offers outdoor play.
You can create your own adventure with a walking route, by following our adventure trail, or even on two wheels!
A TASTER FROM THE BLOG…
Wildlife Volunteer Team Round Up 2022
In the spring of 2022, we set up a new volunteer group– the Stanwick Lakes Wildlife Volunteer Team (WVT). The team meet up on the last Friday morning of the month to undertake tasks that help us to conserve the nature reserve at Stanwick Lakes, including monitoring...
Creating a Moment in History – Stanwick Lakes Heritage
Over the past 12 years, Stanwick Lakes have been fortunate enough to receive Heritage Lottery funding for a number of projects exploring the heritage and history of the site and surrounding valley. Carrying on from the successes of these legacy heritage projects, our new ambitious 3 year venture, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will delve into the Bronze Age and the Iron Age, exploring their monuments and settlements with one aim – to bring the past to life.
Big Bronze Age Boat Build: The Launch!
On 21st July 2024, against the beautiful backdrop of Solstice Lake, the Big Bronze Age Boat Launch commenced. The event was a celebration of the Boat Build project, but also a celebration of the rich history of the site. Visitors enjoyed exploring historical foods,...
“Art In Nature” Exhibition at Stanwick Lakes, as part of Northants and Rutland Open Studios
Discover the Art in Nature exhibition at Stanwick Lakes, where six talented artists showcase their nature-inspired works. Running throughout September as part of the Northants and Rutland Open Studios, this event offers a unique blend of creativity and conservation.
All Aboard the New Bus Service to Stanwick Lakes!
We are delighted to share the news that visitors can now reach Stanwick Lakes by public transport for the first time, thanks to the newly expanded Village Hopper bus service. This makes the nature and heritage available to enjoy on our 750 acre site accessible to even...
Meet our new resident artist – Louise Berrill
The time has come to say a fond farewell to Cathy Matthews, who has been our resident artist here at Stanwick Lakes for many years. Her warmth, creativity, and artistic talent have built a lasting legacy here. Keen for that to continue, Cathy has chosen our new...
1 year review with Ranger Isaac!
To celebrate one year as part of the team here at Stanwick Lakes, we asked Ranger Isaac to write a blog, reflection on his time with us so far…
Isaac joined our team as part of the Groundwork UK initiative, New to Nature. New to Nature, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, helps young people get into green careers, especially those who might otherwise have found it difficult to access the conservation sector.
Making Play Accessible: Join Our Family Fun Day Fundraiser!
We’re very excited for to kick off our fundraising campaign for an accessible playground with a Family Fun Day on Sunday, 14th July. Our goal is to create a space where more children can enjoy the wonders of our nature reserve.
Planting the Iron Age – an experiment!
The garden at the Iron Age Settlement is designed to complement the roundhouses, exploring how people would have lived in the Iron Age. Our volunteers have researched what plants were grown in the Iron Age and are now experimenting to see what will grow in this...
Why diversity of species and people are important to our planet in equal measure.
Conserving Diversity Why diversity of species and people are important to our planet in equal measure. Diversity is a term used widely in the conservation sector; Species diversity, Biodiversity, ecosystem diversity. These terms reflect the range of biological...
New Learning Volunteer Opportunities!
Nestled in the heart of the Nene Valley, Stanwick Lakes offers a wide-ranging learning programme that aims to educate, involve, and inspire young people in both nature and heritage! As an important part of the Nene Valley Special Protection Area (SPA), a designated...
Axe-throwing aims to hit the target with families!
Families can flex their muscles and get competitive this Whitsun half term with Stanwick Lakes offering an outdoor adventure with a twist – axe throwing. Back by popular demand, the activity is suitable for children aged 11 and older and is part of a fun-packed...