Aqualate Mere National Nature Reserve
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Overview
Aqualate Mere NNR is just to the east of Newport, and is centred on Aqualate Mere – at nearly 180 acres, the largest natural lake in the West Midlands. The mere supports a diverse fish population, in particular pike and bream, and important numbers of wintering and breeding wildfowl including mallard, teal, wigeon, pochard, tufted duck, goldeneye and gadwall. Aqualate is also home to a large heronry that has been recorded for over 300 years. The reedbeds around the lake support reed warbler, sedge warbler and reed bunting, with the occasional visiting marsh harrier and osprey. The site also sees large murmurations of starlings at dusk during the winter. The low-lying pastures at the east and west of the reserve provide breeding areas for lapwing, curlew, snipe and redshank. Hunting barn owls and buzzards are also seen regularly here. Mammals include otter, polecat, stoat, water vole, yellow-necked mouse, harvest mouse, and bats such as pipistrelle and Daubenton’s.
About the area
Staffordshire features lofty moors, deep dales and tremendous views of both. Further south are the six sprawling towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent, which historically have had such an impact on Staffordshire’s fortunes, not to mention its culture and countryside.
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Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Goldstone Hall
Situated in extensive grounds, Goldstone Hall is a period property and a family-run hotel. It provides traditionally furnished, well-equipped accommodation with outstanding en suite bat...
Park House Hotel
Set in attractive grounds, Park House Hotel features two distinct architectural styles, having once been two separate houses. Located on the edge of the historic market town of Shifnal,...
The Ugly Duckling
A Georgian property that has been refurbished to have a contemporary feel and is appointed to a high standard. Quirky artwork and feature lighting throughout the downstairs and individu...
The Swan
In a prominent position on the pedestrianised high street, The Swan, once a coaching inn, has lots of character. Well-proportioned bedrooms are thoughtfully equipped, and some have peri...
The Moat House
The Moat House is a 17th-century timbered building, with an idyllic canal-side setting. It has been skilfully extended and is indeed moated. Bedrooms are stylishly furnished, well equip...
Severn Gorge Park
A very pleasant wooded site in the heart of Telford, it is well screened and well maintained. The sanitary facilities are fresh and immaculate, and landscaping of the grounds is careful...
The Bear Inn
Located in the historic village of Hodnet, The Bear Inn is a lovingly restored, former coaching inn. The interior retains many original features with quality, furnishings, artwork and d...
Ternhill Farm House
This elegant Grade II listed Georgian property, once a farmhouse, has been lovingly converted into friendly, family-run guest accommodation. Bedrooms are individually designed and offer...
