Wildlife and Walks

Walks and Wildlife

Here at Horseshoe Lake and Lakeview Café we support a range of habitats, including open water, river, shingle island, grassland and scrub.  Horseshoe Lake was originally part of an extensive network of working gravel pits.  These have now been flooded and are an important part of the Blackwater Valley for wildlife, recreation and water sports.

Horseshoe Lake TriathlonThe island provides a suitable breeding refuge for specialist birds, such as black - headed gull, common tern and oystercatcher.  Throughout the winter many species of waterfowl visit the lake including wigeon, gadwall, tufted duck and goosander.

Many insects and birds can be found in the scrub, trees and grassland surrounding the lake.  Look out for gatekeeper and skipper butterflies and kestrels, finches and warblers.

Our lakeside walk loop is 1.2 mile (2km) around the lake which starts in the car park, after your lovely walk pop into our Lakeview Café with a great selection to choose from.

Cattle

For several months during the spring and summer there are grazing cattle around the lake and meadows.

Dogs should be kept under close control and on leads.

Horseshoe Lake