Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Rutland Water Nature Reserve is a prominent wetland reserve located around Rutland Water, a large reservoir in the county of Rutland, England. Created in the 1970s by damming the Gwash Valley, it covers a total water area of approximately 1,200 hectares (around 3,000 acres) with surrounding lands managed for conservation by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. The reserve features extensive reed beds, open water, grasslands, and woodland, providing critical habitats for over 280 bird species including rare migrants and wintering populations. Key species include ospreys, bitterns, great crested grebes, and various wildfowl, making it a premier birdwatching destination in the UK.
The reserve incorporates several key features such as the Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre, which offers hides and visitor facilities, as well as walking and cycling routes around the reservoir's circumference. Popular recreational activities include wildlife viewing, sailing, kayaking, cycling, and running. The Rutland Water Nature Reserve is renowned for its osprey nesting platform, which supports one of England's most successful breeding osprey populations. Besides wildlife, the area offers scenic views across the reservoir and surrounding countryside including the nearby Ketton Quarry SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).
Visitors can explore diverse habitats via a network of well-maintained trails and enjoy themed routes focusing on wildlife and natural history. The reserve's management balances habitat preservation with recreational use, fostering environmental education and supporting local tourism. Its combination of accessible infrastructure, varied landscapes, and birdlife draws nature enthusiasts, families, and outdoor recreationists year-round.
