Overview
A complex of lakes known for large numbers of wildfowl, more than any other Bedfordshire site, including Mute Swan and Wigeon. It is located in the upper Ouse Valley, adjacent to other nature reserves.
The site holds large numbers of Greylag and Canada Geese but in county terms, the Mute Swan and Wigeon numbers are most significant, with recent winter counts being 200+ for the former, and 800+ for the latter. Mallard and Gadwall also regularly exceed 100 birds in the winter.
With such impressive numbers and its position in the upper Ouse Valley (and adjacent to Harrold-Odell Country Park and Felmersham Nature Reserve), a visit is often rewarded with regular scarce visitors, mainly in the winter. However, it is poorly watched, being away from the main birding hubs and with only a few local birdwatchers. It is also less than straightforward to view, so hopefully this site guide will help. There are several areas that are easy to view and which would benefit from more attention. Radwell Lakes is probably the best place to find scarce geese, with Pink-footed and White-fronted Geese being virtually annual visitors. The most significant recent records are the county’s first twitchable Great White Egret in 2012, a Long-tailed Duck in 2014 and Red-necked Grebe in 2016.
It is worth looking from the gateway on arrival in case there are swans or geese here. The fields often hold Grey Partridges as well as several pairs of Corn Buntings and Yellow Wagtails in spring/summer. Once on the public footpath leading to Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, walking down the slope, you pass some stables on the left and a portakabin on your right. Heading straight on, follow the Public Footpath signs and you go through a gate to view the lake on the right. This can be full of birds or relatively empty, depending on the levels of disturbance on other lakes.
Often there will be many Mute Swans and Wigeon, and smaller numbers of other wildfowl. Goldeneye and Goosander occasionally turn up. There was a Black-necked Grebe here in 2008. The footpath continues through some scrubland and trees and then through some open fields, before the bridge over the river. Anywhere here is good for Kingfisher, and Grey Wagtail can be seen by the river/mill. There used to be a small heronry in the scrub banking the railway viaduct (five or six nests in 2011-13), but no nests have been seen recently. The footpath heads towards the river and Sharnbrook Theatre. Listen for Marsh Tits in this area. Unfortunately the lake on the other side of the viaduct is private and not viewable without permission.
There is, of course, access from Sharnbrook Mill, but parking might be a problem. Although there is a large car park, you should check with the Mill Theatre before using it.
Returning to the Portakabin, there is a track heading southeast, providing access to the remaining lakes. However, this is where the private signs are positioned, so it is recommended that you seek permission from Bedfordia.
The other main access point is from the A6, although parking is slightly harder and involves parking on the side of the A6 itself at TL016570 or TL016572. Either spot has space for a couple of cars, but it is a busy road and one would need to be careful. However either spot provides access to a footpath and field (often with sheep) at TL015571, allowing good views of the southernmost lake, which can be rewarding – especially in flood. Over 800 Wigeon were counted here in December 2010 and there are often 700+ feral geese to look through. Keep an eye out for Peregrine or Merlin hunting here – attracted by Teal and Golden Plovers. This is a regular place to see Barn Owls too. This lake has a good shoreline and is worth checking for waders; Curlew, Whimbrel, Ruff, Greenshank and Green and Common Sandpipers are the most regular. Do bear in mind that these lakes are fished and susceptible to disturbance, but it is certainly worth a quick scan if you are passing. Due to the sporadic coverage it receives, the site probably attracts a lot more than is recorded . There is a longer and safer route by walking the footpath just south of the river bridge (TL005572) and walking under the railway and along the river.
This whole area is susceptible to flooding, which can close the road south of Radwell village. On the plus side, the habitat created can be a real draw for birds; wild geese and swans, and waders such as Ruff. There was a popular Grey Phalarope here in 2008.
Access
The lakes are privately owned and are used for shooting and fishing so please keep to the footpath or seek permission from Bedfordia Farms.
From Radwell village, take Moor End Road (TL004574) north through about 500m of residential buildings (check the sparrows for Tree Sparrows, which occur in small numbers here). This narrow road then comes to a T junction. Turn right onto Moor End Lane for 75m and over the railway bridge (note, the road beyond the bridge is private and cars must not be parked anywhere along it). There is a gateway on your right at TL008581 offering a good view over the fields down to the distant lakes. Do not drive through the gateway here. Although the gate is often open, it is private property and you could get locked in!
The public rights of way are well signed and the owners of the site have made it clear you must not stray from them unless you have permission.
