Needham Lake and Nature Reserve

Needham Lake and Nature Reserve

Needham Lake and Nature Reserve
Needham Market
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP6 8AS

Tel: 01449 727 21
Fax: 01449 727 22
E-Mail: ann.havard@midsuffolk.gov.uk

Web: Needham Lake and Nature Reserve

About Needham Lake and Nature Reserve

Needham Lake is a popular countryside attraction centred round a flooded gravel pit alongside the River Gipping close to Needham Market. The Lake is home for a variety of wildlife with numerous well-fed ducks around the car park. A walk around the surfaced lakeside path takes around 20 minutes and gives access for visitors wishing to explore further.
There are picnic and play areas with many picnic tables dotted around and plenty of grass for games. There is play equipment for young children close to the car park whilst slightly older children can enjoy a new (2010) climbing boulder. An orienteering course has been created and can be enjoyed by families, groups or schools.
An Ice Cream van is present during the Summer months. Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control.
Part of the site is a Local Nature Reserve with a wetland area, meadows managed for wildlife and a small woodland. In Summer you will see many species of dragonflies and numerous small birds can be spotted amongst the trees. Look out for the nest boxes found throughout the site. Wild flowers are plentiful with pyramidal and bee orchids easily seen from the paths. The fenced paddocks are grazed in the summer months to help improve the grassland for wildlife.