Bestwood Mill Lakes

(Also see Bestwood Country Park for more info and site map)

Mill Lakes and meadows: - 150 acres - an area of water through which the River Leen runs which also includes a small reed bed. To the north of the lake there is an ancient water meadow to which there is strictly no access due to the presence of sensitive botanical species. The meadow can however be viewed from the boundary and, with care, from the railway embankment.

From Bestwood Village at either SK551462 or SK548475 for Mill Lakes.

Mill Lakes has a selection of duck in winter and attracts passage warblers and chats. Birds of prey include Merlin in winter and Hobby in summer. Grasshopper Warblers occasionally breed and Bramblings appear most winters.

Spring: Typical migrants include Wheatear, Whinchat and Redstart. Hirundines also pass through in some numbers often feeding low over the lakes. Other migrants might include Little Ringed Plover, Turtle Dove and Cuckoo. In early spring there is a pronounced finch passage through Mill Lakes with Redpoll, Goldfinch and Siskin involved. Terns occasionally appear including Common, Arctic and Black Tern.

In Winter up to ten species of duck can be present along with Little and Great Crested Grebe.

Rarities: for such an 'out of the way' site Bestwood has produced a good selection of county rarities. The main focus of attention is around the Mill Lakes although the woodlands have produced some good birds.

The Mill Lakes list includes Black-necked Grebe, Leach's Petrel, Gannet, Squacco Heron (1871), Marsh and Hen Harrier, Arctic Skua, Mediterranean Gull, Waxwing, Black Redstart, Firecrest, Serin (the county's only accepted record) and Crossbill.

General: The Bestwood site, especially Mill Lakes, is watched by an enthusiastic group and many of their records are testimony to the hours of effort spent on site. The whole site is managed by Nottinghamshire County Council and suffers from the usual problems of illegal fishing, shooting and vandalism. The proximity of the park to some areas with high crime rates can put people off from visiting and care should be taken not to leave valuables in vehicles (a situation which applies to visiting any site these days).

Contacts:

Mark Gash (Ranger)
The Rangers Office
Alexandra Lodges
Bestwood Country Park
Northern Drive
Bestwood Village
Nottinghamshire
NG6 8UH.
0115 9273674
e-mail: Bestwood Country Park

From an article A Guided Tour Around Nottinghamshire courtesy of Nottingham Naturalist