Tony Clarke
Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Rutland Water Nature Reserve is an internationally recognised Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. It is one of the best places to enjoy birds and wildlife in the UK. Search for rare spring migrants, admire fishing ospreys in the summer, enjoy the autumn wader passage and marvel at huge flocks of winter wildfowl. With events year round, walking trails and two visitor centres, you'll be sure of an immersive wildlife experience for the whole family.
View of Rutland Water nature reserve in early summer - David Tipling/2020VISION
WildNet - Derek Moore
About Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Rutland may be the smallest county in England, yet it boasts one of the best nature reserves in the entire country. But for such a diverse, beautiful and exciting wild place, Rutland Water is relatively young. Find out about the wildlife you can see at this incredible site, how we're working with Anglian Water to conserve, and how a few fields in Rutland was transformed into this amazing place - for people and wildlife.
Read our latest Annual Wildlife Report for Rutland Water Nature Reserve.
1328 Sand Martin chicks fledged, 121,379 wetland birds were counted including some rare Smew and Great White Egrets, 453 species of moth were recorded, 19 species of dragonfly, 41 different species of bees recorded
Read the full report to learn more about all the wonderful wildlife that inhabits this beautiful nature reserve.
“What a treasure Rutland, England, the UK and indeed the world has in Rutland Water Nature Reserve! No wonder it is a site of Special Scientific Interest! It is a treat to listen to the bird song as one walks around the water and to glimpse the mighty Ospreys. The insect life is remarkable, the abundance of wildflowers wonderful.
Thank you to Tim Sexton for my informative and enjoyable tour to celebrate the official launch of the Annual Wildlife Report 2023. I thank both the staff and volunteers of Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust who help to preserve and develop this special area of our county. I know Anglian Water is rightly proud of what has been created on their land and water.”
Dr Sarah Furness PhD, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland.
Rutland Water Annual Wildlife Report 2022
A fascinating read of wildlife highlights throughout the year at the reserve including,
- Marsh Harriers Breed for the First Time at Rutland Water
- A Record year for Otter Sightings
- 2022 proved to be a successful year for Ospreys in the Rutland Water area, with a total of 11 breeding pairs rearing 22 chicks, the largest number of active nests recorded in a single year
- Rare fungi found at Rutland Water in 2022
- Rutland Water is currently the number one site in the UK for Gadwall, with the sixth largest count of Gadwall (2030) since records began
- 5598 birds of 51 species were processed by the Rutland Water Ringing Group in 2022. Highlights included the confirmation of breeding Nightingale
Rutland Water Annual Wildlife Report 2021
The start of 2021 was a challenging year due to COVID restrictions, but by March we were delighted to welcome back volunteers once again and could resume our programme of wildlife recording, thanks to the incredible support of our survey volunteers.
What's coming up at Rutland Water?
See our full events calendar for Rutland Water Nature Reserve.
WildNet - James Rogerson
Rutland Osprey Project
Rutland Water is home to the Rutland Osprey Project. You can watch them at their nest site on Lyndon Nature Reserve, soaring majestically over the lagoons or diving to catch fish on an exclusive Osprey Cruise. Find out how this once endangered bird of prey has found a home in Rutland Water and see them yourself. Find out more here.
Maps of the reserve
We have two maps that you can download, one showing Rutland Water Nature Reserve and the second showing the whole reservoir.
Seasonal guides to Rutland Water
Find out what you might see on your visit and make the most of this fabulous nature reserve all year round
Become a member for exclusive discounts to Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Members of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust receive a 10% discount on entry to Rutland Water Nature Reserve.