Originally the site was part of the Northam Brickworks and was declared a nature reserve in 1996. Fed by natural springs the lake was formed when the pit filled with water after it became disused. It’s now an excellent habitat for a wide range of wildlife. The reserve is currently managed by the charity Froglife. The Parish Council has a management committee that is dedicated to the nature reserve and a group called ‘Friends of Eye Green Nature Reserve’ have their own Facebook page.

You can find further information on the links below:

• Flora and Fauna of Eye Green Nature Reserve
• The Seasons
• History of the reserve
• Fishing at the reserve

If you are thinking about feeding the swans and ducks please think about using proper swan and duck food. This can be purchased online or from many stores such as The Range, the Barn Garden Centre and Pets at Home.

The RSPB says “”Bread is not a natural source of food for water birds such as ducks and geese. For this reason, it is suitable for them only in very small quantities.”

Like humans, birds need a variety of food to be healthy, and bread on it’s own doesn’t offer them the nutrition they need. Too much can lead to serious health issues including birds becoming overweight, malnourished and lacking essential vitamins.  Mouldy bread is toxic to wild birds. Read more here.

There is very limited parking around the site so please walk if you can. Parking on Pershore Way is prohibited unless you have a residents permit.

Walk

It takes around 15-20 minutes to walk around the lake, a distance of around 1.25 km or 0.8 miles. If you include the walk around the gravel works to the north of the site it will take around 20-25 minutes. Please be aware that the walk around the former gravel works to the north has steps and can be slippery and muddy in wet weather.

By using the reserve you agree to the following:

• No swimming
• No open fires
• No camping
• No boating
• No motor vehicles
• Please keep dogs on a lead and clean up after your dog. Thank you to those owners that already do. There are two dog waste bins in the park and one bin for all types of litter near the entrance so there is no excuse not to. If the bins are full please report them to Peterborough City Council here.
• Respect other people visiting the park
• No loud music.

And please take all rubbish home with you.

The lake does look lovely and inviting but it is in fact very dangerous with cold deep water and metal debris in the lake. It is dangerously deceptive, as there is a ledge that suddenly drops off. These warnings are not without foundation as there have been serious injuries and fatalities in the lake.

Due to the risk of Weil’s Disease also known as Leptospirosis make sure you wash your hands after touching anything at the reserve, especially if you touch the water