Written by On Saturday 14th June 2025, members of the Dunchurch Photographic Society ventured away again, this time to the area around Rutland Water – specifically to the various nature watching hides accessed from the Lyndon Reserve Visitor Centre. The reserve visitor centre is over near Manton, in Rutland.
One of the many nature based attractions around this part of Rutland Water are the iconic Ospreys, and the resident birds of prey are currently raising a clutch of chicks in their nest. At the visitor centre, a webcam of the nest is visible on a large screen to give a live update on the state of play!
A plethora of nature hides are accessible from the visitor centre, with the furthest one away that we visited when measured from the car park was around 1.1km.
The walk takes visitors along the south shore of the reservoir and through wild flower meadows. The hides themselves are located in such a way as to give different, discrete viewing places from which to watch the action or try to capture some of it in camera.
Several of the hides have the Osprey nest visible, though you do need a very long lens to get the best shot. Other action is closer in, including a tree seemingly teeming with cormorants, a hide showcasing shelducks and Canada geese, turns and black headed gulls. Another hide was ideally situated to show off a family of swans who took to the water with their cygnets. Other bird families were also seen, with mallard ducks being visible too.
During the visit, members heard the call of blue tits, reed buntings and other small birds – however they were much harder to spot! That is all part of the challenge of nature photography, which requires an element of patience. I saw a kingfisher dart past the ‘deepwater’ hide but it was there and gone before I had chance to get my camera ready. There’s always another time though!!
Throughout the summer months, the reserve is open to visitors between 9am and 5pm, with a fee of £8.00 charged for access to the hides. Concessions are available. Dogs are welcome, but must stay on a lead.
It was a pleasant day out, quite relaxed and with good weather for this type of activity. Whilst the weather may not always be perfect, the friendly nature of our members is always assured…
Report Prepared By
David J. Bray AFIAP, CPAGB, E.CPE
