Broad Colney Lakes

Broad Colney Lakes is a 11-hectare nature reserve in London Colney, Hertfordshire. It has three lakes formed by gravel extraction in the 1920s. The site was once managed by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and has recently been sold to an anonymous buyer who has stated the lakes will continue to be used for fishing. Woodland areas are managed for wildlife benefit. The River Colne flows through Long Lake, where otters travel on their journeys. The lakes support a variety of wildlife. Otters move through Long Lake along the river, while great crested grebes nest at its edges. Small Lake is marshy and serves as a breeding area for fish. North Lake hosts tufted ducks, coots and mallards. The site remains important for local wildlife despite changes in ownership. Access to the reserve is from Water Lane, which runs between Shenley Lane and Waterside along the south-eastern edge of Long Lake. Visitors can walk along the lakes and observe the natural surroundings. The woodland and water areas provide a peaceful setting for wildlife watching. The site continues to function as a nature reserve with ongoing management for conservation.