Adderbury Lakes Nature Reserve

A designated Local Nature Reserve in the village of Adderbury, Adderbury Lakes is a tranquil 1.8-hectare site featuring two interconnected lakes fed by natural springs. Originally part of the ornamental gardens of Adderbury House in the 19th century, the lakes were restored in the 1980s and opened as a nature reserve in 1985. The site is now owned and managed by Adderbury Parish Council as a valuable village resource. Visitors can enjoy pleasant circular walks around the lakes, with the highlight being a charming waterfall flowing under a bridge between the upper and lower lakes. The reserve is home to diverse wildlife including mallards, moorhens, kingfishers, goldcrests, nuthatches, woodpeckers, pipistrelle bats, roe deer, and various butterflies and dragonflies. The woodland surrounding the lakes features mature trees including black poplar, alder, ash, beech, oak, and willow. Spring brings beautiful displays of snowdrops, bluebells, primroses, and wild garlic. The reserve includes a historic ice house and offers benches throughout for peaceful contemplation. Most of the site is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for all visitors.