Overview
This site has potential, but it is currently worked and the habitat is variable. It is an attractive walk north of Willington village, leading to Hill Farm just south of the Bedford bypass, A421.
Since 2012-13, gravel extraction has created a series of waterbodies adjacent to Willington Lakes.
Take the footpath south (paddocks on your right – look out for Mistle Thrush), towards Gadsey Brook cottages, through a kissing gate and left onto a strip of pasture with old willow trees. Through another kissing gate. Follow the footpath south east alongside the main lake – you should be able to see Danish Camp on your right over the lake and river.
Depending on the water level, there could be waders here. Oystercatchers breed and Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Little Ringed and Ringed Plover have bred in the area. Dunlin, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit have been recorded on passage. The footpath then joins the river and comes out at Willington Lock.
There are other small gravel extraction areas in various states of infill, but there is no public access. May 2016
Access
Parking
Parking near Hill Farm. Footpath through kissing gates, along the lake to Willington Lock. (TL107513).
