Lavells Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lavells Lake |
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve |
| Location | Reading, Berkshire |
| OS grid | SU 783 729 |
| Area | 12.5 hectares (31 acres) |
| Managed by | Wokingham District Council and The Friends of Lavell's Lake |
Lavells Lake is a special place in Berkshire, England. It's a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's protected for its wildlife and natural beauty. This amazing area is about 12.5 hectares (that's like 30 football fields!) and is located near Woodley, a town close to Reading. It's looked after by Wokingham District Council and a group called The Friends of Lavell's Lake. It's also part of the bigger Dinton Pastures Country Park.
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Exploring Lavells Lake: A Nature Reserve
Lavells Lake is a wonderful spot for nature lovers. It's a large lake that was once a gravel pit. This means it was a place where sand and gravel were dug out of the ground. Now, it's a calm home for many animals.
You can find several special buildings called bird hides around the lake. These hides are like secret viewing spots. They let you watch birds and other wildlife without disturbing them. It's a great way to see animals up close!
History of Lavells Lake
Lavells Lake has an interesting past. For about 14 years, the area was used to dig up gravel. This gravel was used for building things.
After the digging stopped, the area was turned into a beautiful park. It was first opened to the public in 1979. It became part of the larger Dinton Pastures Country Park.
Later, in 1992, the site got an even more special title. Wokingham Borough Council officially declared it a Local Nature Reserve. This means it's a protected area where nature can thrive.
Amazing Animals at Lavells Lake
Lavells Lake is home to many different kinds of animals. It's a busy place with mammals, insects, birds, and even reptiles and amphibians!
Mammals You Might See
Many furry creatures live around Lavells Lake. Keep an eye out for these amazing mammals:
- European rabbit: These common animals are often seen hopping around.
- Red fox: Foxes are clever hunters, usually seen at dawn or dusk.
- Roe deer: These graceful deer can be shy, but you might spot them in quieter areas.
- Muntjac deer: These are small, barking deer.
- Stoat and Weasel: These small, quick hunters are part of the weasel family.
- Eastern gray squirrel: You'll likely see these busy squirrels gathering nuts.
- Wood mouse and Field vole: These tiny rodents are important parts of the ecosystem.
Lavells Lake is also home to several types of bats. These include the Soprano pipistrelle, Common pipistrelle, Daubenton's bat, and Brown long-eared bat. Bats are amazing flyers that hunt insects at night.
Incredible Insects and Invertebrates
The lake and its surroundings are buzzing with many different insects. These tiny creatures are very important for the environment.
- Anax imperator (Emperor Dragonfly)
- Aeshna grandis (Brown Hawker)
- Aeshna cyanea (Southern Hawker)
- Orthetrum cancellatum (Black-tailed Skimmer)
- Sympetrum striolatum (Common Darter)
- Libellula depressa (Broad-bodied Chaser)
- Pyrrhosoma nymphula (Large Red Damselfly)
- Enallagma cyathigerum (Common Blue Damselfly)
- Pieris napi (Green-veined White butterfly)
- Pieris brassicae (Large White butterfly)
- Anthocharis cardamines (Orange-tip butterfly)
- Gonepteryx rhamni (Brimstone butterfly)
- Pyronia tithonus (Gatekeeper butterfly)
- Maniola jurtina (Meadow Brown butterfly)
- Melanargia galathea (Marbled White butterfly)
- Pararge aegeria (Speckled Wood butterfly)
- Polygonia c-album (Comma butterfly)
- Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady butterfly)
- Vanessa atalanta (Red Admiral butterfly)
- Aglais urticae (Small Tortoiseshell butterfly)
- Polyommatus icarus (Common Blue butterfly)
- Celastrina argiolus (Holly Blue butterfly)
These are just a few examples of the many dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies that flutter around Lavells Lake. They add so much color and life to the reserve!
Wonderful Birds of Lavells Lake
Lavells Lake is a fantastic place for birdwatching. Many different types of birds visit or live here, especially water birds.
- Little grebe and Great crested grebe: These diving birds are fun to watch on the water.
- Grey heron: Look for these tall, still birds fishing by the water's edge.
- Greylag goose, Canada goose, Mute swan, Egyptian goose: Many types of geese and swans make their home here.
- Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler: These are just a few of the many duck species you can see.
- Red kite and Common buzzard: Keep an eye on the sky for these impressive birds of prey.
- Common kingfisher: If you're lucky, you might spot this bright blue bird darting over the water.
- Great spotted woodpecker and Green woodpecker: Listen for their drumming sounds in the trees.
- Long-tailed tit, Blue tit, Great tit: These small, active birds are often seen in groups.
- Robin and Eurasian wren: You'll hear their cheerful songs throughout the reserve.
- Blackbird and Song thrush: Listen for their beautiful melodies.
- Magpie, Jay, Carrion crow: These intelligent birds are common sights.
This is just a small list of the many birds that call Lavells Lake home. From tiny songbirds to large birds of prey, there's always something to see!
Amphibians and Reptiles
The wet and grassy areas around the lake are perfect for amphibians and reptiles.
- Common frog and Common toad: You might hear their croaking calls, especially in spring.
- Grass snake: These non-venomous snakes are often found near water.
- Smooth newt and Great crested newt: These amazing amphibians live in the water and on land.
- Red-eared slider: This is a type of turtle that sometimes appears in the lake.
Plants and Trees at Lavells Lake
The plants and trees at Lavells Lake create the perfect habitat for all the animals.
Trees You Can Find
The trees provide shelter and food for many creatures.
- Betula pendula: These trees have distinctive white bark.
- Prunus spinosa: Known for its dark branches and white flowers in spring.
Interesting Plants
Many different plants grow around the lake and in the surrounding areas.
- Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan Balsam): A tall plant with pink-purple flowers.
- Leucojum aestivum (Summer Snowflake): A beautiful white flower that looks like a large snowdrop.
- Ulex europaeus (Gorse): A spiky bush with bright yellow flowers.
- Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley): A common plant with delicate white flowers.
- Dipsacus: A tall plant with spiky heads, often seen in fields.
- Primula veris: A lovely yellow wildflower, often found in meadows.
- Phragmites communis (Common Reed): Tall reeds that grow in wet areas.
- Inula helenium (Elecampane): A tall plant with large yellow, daisy-like flowers.
