The Priory Water Wildfowl Reserve
The Leicestershire Wildfowlers' Association were leased this site, initially about one hundred and forty acres, but later increased to over two hundred acres by the President Mr R.A. Jelley in July 1987. Since then a management plan which was drawn up with the help of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and our own members has been put in hand over the years.

Comprising of rough grazing surrounding a central reserve of 80 acres of which 45 acres are water, the lakes were originally gravel workings that the club has spent 16 years restoring to a highly important site for wildfowl and waders. The re-planting program has to date planted over sixteen thousand shrubs and trees on the reserve. Over the whole area, there has been much improvement to the habitat by the efforts of the members and generous assistance from local councils and local firms.

Priory Water aerial photo (click to enlarge)

Two areas of land approximately five acres in area have been prepared and planted with wildflowers. These are managed in the time-honoured way by first grazing with cattle and then sheep. Water plant species indigenous to the area have been planted all around the lakes.

Over 200 species of birds have been recorded on the reserve as well as many species of moths, butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, amphibians and reptiles. Many beautiful flowers can be seen every year in and around the flower meadows.
 

Large red damselfly (click to enlarge)

Common blue butterfly (click to enlarge)

 
Nesting boxes for all types of birds and bats have been situated around the reserve in the most suitable places.

The site is used for graduate projects, scientific research and school visits. It is a genuine example of field sports supporters putting something back into the environment. All work is carried out by volunteers from the club attending monthly work parties and getting their hands dirty. In return for this work, members have access to our flight ponds at a separate complex of lakes and enjoy some superb inland duck shooting.

Aims and Intentions

1. To develop Priory Water as a first-class nature reserve. No game or wild fowl shooting will be permitted under any circumstances.
    
2. To provide our own members, members of ornithological societies and other interested parties with an opportunity to study wildfowl and other flora and fauna at all times of the year.
    
3. To encourage members of the public and schools to participate in the development of the reserve.
    
4. To assist recognised bodies with relevant research programmes (i.e. The Wildfowl Trust's inland wigeon research programme).
    
5. To keep a regular record of all birds at the reserve with the help of The Leicestershire & Rutland Ornithological Society.
    
6. To provide facilities at the reserve in order to make educational visits meaningful.
    
7. To keep an ongoing record of all activities on the site.

Further Information
For further details from the Priory Water management team, please contact Tim Goodlife (tgoodlife@leicswa.org).