Management of Whelford Pools SSSI nature reserve

Whelford Pools Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest comprising two lakes and two smaller ponds.The reserve is 12.3 ha in size. The main interest of the reserve is its assemblage of rare aquatic plants. The two large lakes also support good numbers of over wintering wildfowl including red-crested pochard and tufted duck. Management is aimed at scrub control and tree management to prevent shading of the lake edges by over hanging branches. The two smaller ponds provide excellent habitat for dragon and damsel flies. There is also a small area of grassland within the reserve which supports species such as bee orchid.