With very hot weather forecast this week, we’d really appreciate your help in looking after Stanwick Lakes, its wildlife and everyone who comes to enjoy it.

To keep things simple, we’re asking all visitors to follow a few important rules during this period:

• Please don’t bring barbecues or light fires anywhere on the reserve
  – PLEASE NOTE: OUR EXISTING BBQ AREA IS CURRENTLY CLOSED
• Please do not swim in any of the lakes
• Please take your litter home
• Please help us reduce antisocial behaviour on site
• Consider leaving your dog at home this week

Thank you to the vast majority of visitors who already help us keep Stanwick Lakes safe, welcoming and enjoyable.

Unfortunately, we are continuing to see a small number of incidents that put pressure on the reserve, our team and volunteers, ass well as the wildlife the nature reserve is funded to steward.

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Barbecues and Fires

Barbecues have been under review at Stanwick Lakes for some time due to ongoing issues with irresponsible use.

While many people use them responsibly, we continue to see problems such as disposable barbecues being left behind, hot embers not being disposed of safely, and most seriously, BBQs and fires being lit outside of the designated area.

These incidents can have serious consequences. In hot, dry conditions, fire can spread very quickly through grassland, scrub and wetland habitats, putting wildlife, visitors and surrounding areas at risk.

Because of the current weather conditions, we’re asking visitors not to bring any barbecues onto the reserve at the moment, and to avoid all open flames.

Disposable barbecues and controlled fires often remain dangerously hot long after they appear to have been used. Even when used or moved or left on the ground, they can take a considerable amount of time to cool and can easily reignite or spread to dry vegetation.

We know this won’t be what everyone was hoping for and understand this may be disappointing, especially those who use barbecues responsibly. We really appreciate your understanding.

The future use of barbecues at Stanwick Lakes will be review, and we’re working to ensure Stanwick Lakes can be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Enforcement

These restrictions are in place to protect people, wildlife and the reserve.

Anyone deliberately ignoring them may receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100, or in more serious cases be reported for prosecution. On conviction, fines of up to £1,000 can be issued.
Where necessary, evidence (including vehicle details) may be used to support enforcement action.

We hope this won’t be needed and thank everyone who helps us by following the rules.

If you see a fire, please call 999 immediately.

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No Unauthorised Swimming in the Lakes

We kindly ask visitors not to swim in any of the lakes (outside of our life-guarded sessions).

While it may feel tempting in hot weather, open water can be dangerous even in warm conditions. Cold water shock, hidden underwater hazards and sudden changes in depth can all pose serious risks, especially when people are not expecting them. These risks are heightened during hot temperatures when people may underestimate the dangers or make impulsive decisions to enter the water.

The lakes are also an important habitat for wildlife. Disturbance from swimming can disrupt feeding, resting and breeding areas for many species.

Stanwick Lakes forms part of a wider landscape of nationally important wildlife sites, including three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), which help protect the species that depend on these wetlands.

Please enjoy the lakes from the paths and viewing areas around the reserve.

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Litter

During warm, busy periods, unfortunately, we see an increased amount of litter. There are bins located in various busy spots, but occasionally during these times, they reach capacity. Please consider taking litter away with you and please take everything you bring with you to enjoy your visit home. Our lost property often includes discarded items, making it more difficult for people to find genuinely lost possessions.

Litter can also harm wildlife, spoil the environment for others, and in especially hot weather can even increase fire risk.

A small action makes a big difference here.

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Antisocial Behaviour

Stanwick Lakes is a place for everyone to enjoy nature and the outdoors.

We do, however, continue to see some incidents of antisocial behaviour, including littering, vandalism, damage to habitats and infrastructure, and the use of prohibited vehicles such as motorcycles.

These behaviours can not only harm wildlife they can spoil the experience for other visitors and put additional stress and strain on our team and volunteers.

If you see untoward behaviour, please report it to a Ranger or Duty Manager during opening hours. If you would like to report observations after hours, you can send us and email, which helps us with our records.

We really appreciate your help in keeping the reserve safe, respectful and enjoyable for everyone.

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Dogs Welcome – on lead – but consider a week away.

We are proud to be a dog-friendly destination and welcome responsible dog owners throughout the year.

However, during periods of very hot weather, we would strongly encourage visitors to consider leaving dogs at home if possible.

High temperatures can make walking uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for dogs. Heat stress, dehydration and overexertion can develop quickly, even on relatively short visits, particularly where shade and water are limited.

Where dogs do visit, they must be kept on a lead at all times while on the reserve.

This helps protect wildlife, reduces disturbance to other visitors, and ensures the welfare of dogs during challenging weather conditions.

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Thank you for taking the time to help look after Stanwick Lakes.