Nunnery Lakes Reserve in Thetford is a hidden gem of green space and wildlife right on the town’s doorstep, writes Jon Carter from the British Trust for Ornithology.
It’s well established that spending time in nature benefits our wellbeing. Escaping the pressures of daily life and heading outdoors can do wonders for mental and physical health. While not everyone can travel to forests or the coast, most Thetford residents are at least fortunate enough to have access to green spaces right on their doorstep. Among the many places we can enjoy close to the town centre, is the Nunnery Lakes nature reserve.
Located just south of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) headquarters near Nun’s Bridges, the reserve lies between the rivers Thet and Little Ouse. Open year-round and free to access, it was created from a former sand and gravel works. The resulting lakes now support a thriving fishery and diverse wildlife.
Despite its modest size, Nunnery Lakes offers a rich mix of Breckland habitats, sandy heathland, flood meadow, wet woodland, and reedbed. Thanks to BTO staff and volunteers, the site is managed to support a wide variety of species, and nature enthusiasts can find an array of birds, mammals, invertebrates, reptiles, and plants within its boundaries.
Water Vole, Otter, Grass Snake, and Common Lizard may all be seen on the nature reserve, along with several species of butterfly and dragonfly. Birds regularly seen include Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Red Kite, Barn Owl, Reed Warbler and Little Egret along with a number of waterfowl species. Rare birds have turned up too, and over the years birdwatchers have spotted Purple Heron, White Stork, Black-winged Stilt, White-tailed Eagle and more!
The reserve is accessible on foot via the riverside path from Spring Walk or from the Nun’s Bridges car park. At the three-arched bridge, pass through the gate, turn left, and walk 50 metres to the entrance on your right. Along this pathway you will see the Nunnery Lakes Discovery Trail interpretive signs, telling you about the site and some of its wild inhabitants. The Discovery Trail was supported by Tesco’s Bags Of Help community scheme.
At the southern end of the permissive path, a raised viewing platform features an Info Point with QR codes to learn more about the reserve’s history. Installed in 2024, these were funded by The Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme. The reserve is also accessible via the Nunnery grounds. A Discovery Trail map and leaflet are available at BTO reception during office hours or online at: www.bto.org/nunnery-lakes
Jon Carter, BTO
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