Loddon Nature Reserve

Shallows and islands

The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust looks after this community nature reserve with the help of local volunteers, who enjoy this delightful retreat in the heart of Twyford. The shallows of the lake are perfect feeding areas for wetland birds, while its islands provide quiet spots where common terns and oystercatchers can breed safely away from predators such as foxes. During the winter months, the handsome male smew attracts many birdwatchers.

Bird delights

The scrubby perimeter of the lake is home to blackcaps, whitethroats and other songbirds. Look out also for nesting wetland birds such as moorhens and coots. These birds nest among the reeds and aquatic plants below overhanging branches of willow. Herons may be seen like statues waiting to spear a fish. In early spring, you might be lucky enough to spot the elaboerate courtship 'mirror dance' of the great crested grebe in which the male and female swim beak to beak and rise out of the water whilst shaking their heads.

Things to do & places to go

• We run a regular work party on the reserve
• Watch out for family discovery days throughout the year
• Volunteer to take part in summer butterfly surveys