Wildlife and conservation

The Nene Valley is acknowledged as being one of the most important areas for wintering waterfowl in the UK. The results of WEBS (Wetland Birds Survey) counts show that the Stanwick Lakes site is one of the key sites within the valley and is designated a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). At least part of Stanwick Lakes has been included within the proposed Nene Valley Special Protection Area, which is a designation to protect sites which are particularly important for birds which depend on specialised or restricted habitats for breeding, feeding, wintering or migration.

The WEBS counts indicate that the Stanwick Lakes site can hold a significant proportion of the valley’s population of golden plovers (an annex 1 species of the EC Birds Directive); in fact, at times, over 3,000 birds have been present. The site also has a significant number of other waterfowl species including wigeon, gadwall, teal and pintail.

Certain areas within the site also provide perfect habitats for breeding waterbirds – particularly those lakes with an open nature and emerging islands. Surveys carried out during 2004 suggest that species such as oystercatcher, lapwing, and great crested grebe have been using the site for breeding.

Although the site is recognised mainly for its populations of waterfowl, it is also known to have significant dragonfly populations. Otters have also been sighted within the locality.