Kinewell Lake facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kinewell Lake
Type	Local Nature Reserve
Location	Ringstead, Northamptonshire
OS grid	SP 977 752
Area	35.4 hectares
Managed by	Kinewell Lake Trust

Kinewell Lake is a very special place for nature in Northamptonshire, England. It's a large lake, about 35.4 hectares in size, which is like 87 acres! You can find it west of a village called Ringstead.

This lake is officially known as a Local Nature Reserve. This means it's protected because of its important wildlife and natural features. The local council, Ringstead Parish Council, owns the land. A group called the Kinewell Lake Trust helps look after it.

Kinewell Lake is also part of a much larger and more important area. This area is called the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits. It has several special protections because of its amazing wildlife.

Why Kinewell Lake is Important

Kinewell Lake is not just a pretty spot; it's a vital habitat for many animals. It has several important titles that show how special it is.

A Local Nature Reserve

Being a Local Nature Reserve means that the area is protected for its natural beauty and wildlife. It's a place where people can enjoy nature and learn about it. These reserves are important for local communities and for keeping nature healthy.

A Site of Special Scientific Interest

Kinewell Lake is part of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits. This whole area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). An SSSI is a special place in the UK that has important plants, animals, or geology. It means the area is protected by law to keep its natural features safe.

A Ramsar Wetland Site

The lake is also part of a Ramsar site. This is an international title given to wetlands that are very important for birds and other wildlife. Wetlands are areas like marshes, bogs, and lakes. They are crucial for many species, especially for birds that migrate long distances. The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement to protect these valuable wetland areas around the world.

A Special Protection Area

Kinewell Lake is also part of a Special Protection Area (SPA). This protection comes from the European Communities Birds Directive. This directive is a law that helps protect all wild birds in Europe. SPAs are chosen because they are important breeding, feeding, or resting places for rare or migrating birds. This means Kinewell Lake is a safe haven for many different bird species.

The Lake's History and Wildlife

Kinewell Lake wasn't always a lake. It has an interesting past that helped shape it into the wildlife haven it is today.

How the Lake Was Formed

The lake used to be a gravel pit. This means that in the past, people dug out gravel from this area. Over time, after the gravel was removed, the pit filled with water, creating the lake we see today. It's located right next to the River Nene, which is a major river in England.

Amazing Animals at the Lake

Kinewell Lake is home to many different kinds of animals. It's a great place for wildlife spotting!

Birds of Kinewell Lake

You can see many beautiful birds at the lake. Some of the birds that live here include:

• Shovellers: These ducks have a large, spoon-shaped bill that they use to filter food from the water.
• Great crested grebes: These elegant water birds are known for their elaborate courtship dances.
• Kingfishers: These small, brightly coloured birds are famous for their quick dives to catch fish.

Other Wildlife

It's not just birds that call Kinewell Lake home. You might also spot other fascinating creatures:

• Otters: These playful mammals are excellent swimmers and hunters. They love clean water and healthy river systems.
• Bats: Several types of bats might fly around the lake at dusk, hunting for insects.
• Long-horned beetles: These insects are known for their very long antennae.

Visiting Kinewell Lake

If you want to explore Kinewell Lake, there's a great way to do it.

The Footpath

There is a lovely footpath that goes all the way around the lake. It's about one and a half miles long. This path is perfect for a walk, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and look for wildlife. It's a great way to experience this special nature reserve.