About the reserve

Rutland Water Nature Reserve, and the wider reservoir, is an outstanding haven for wildlife in the heart of England. A network of lagoons and wetlands, including the western tips of both the north and south arms of the reservoir, provide a sanctuary for water birds, birds of prey, woodland wildlife and more. Several reintroduction programmes have proactively restored otherwise rare wildlife, with both ospreys and water voles being introduced to the area.

The reservoir provides one of the most important wildfowl sanctuaries in Great Britain, regularly holding in excess of 25,000 ducks, geese and swans in the winter. it is heavily protected by law, being a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a European Special Protection Area and internationally recognised as a globally important wetland RAMSAR site. 

The nature reserve covers the shoreline and shallow water lagoons along 9 miles of the western end of Rutland Water and covers a total area of 1000 acres. There are over 30 bird watching hides and nature trails from two visitor centres. It is also home to the Rutland Ospreys which in 2001 celebrated the first Osprey chick to fledge in Central England for 150 years.  

A mixture of water levels, habitats and management strategies have led to Rutland Water providing a haven to literally thousands of birds comprising hundreds of species. Check out our guides to spring, summer, autumn and winter to discover what species you're likely to see at different times of year.

For further information on the two visitor centres, please visit their respective pages:

Lyndon Visitor Centre

Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre

For further information on the reserve, please visit:

Rutland Water Nature Reserve

Download a map of Rutland Water Nature Reserve