Occupation Road, Albert Village, Leicestershire, DE11 8HA

Albert Village Lake

Lake

Place photograph

5.1

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

LakesideVillageWalkersWildlife loversFamiliesPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

5.1

A former claypit, once part of the area’s brick and tile industry, is now a circular lakeside walk and a bird-rich stop in the National Forest. The nearby village took its name from the Albert Brick and Tile Works, named for Prince Albert; before that, the area was known as Mushroom Lane.

Albert Village Lake earns its place as a calm, accessible waterside escape with a pleasing industrial-to-nature story and more bird interest than its modest scale might suggest. Come for the easy circuit, pause on a bench and scan the lake and reed edges; treat it as a short nature outing, not a water-sports destination.

Peaceful

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Occupation Road, Albert Village, Leicestershire, DE11 8HA

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The experience

Keep it simple: follow the circular path, take time on the benches to watch the lake and reed edges, and look for gulls, wildfowl and common terns. This is a place for a gentle walk and birdwatching, not swimming or water sports.

Things to do

Follow the circular lakeside walk

Walk the paths around the large central lake, using the benches to pause for views and wildlife.

Watch the lake birds

Look for gulls, wildfowl and common terns over the water. The National Forest also notes occasional records of glaucous, Caspian and yellow-legged gulls.

Check the reed edges

Watch the reed areas for reed warblers or water rail.

Look for seasonal kittiwake records

Keep an eye out for kittiwakes, which have been recorded at the lake in spring and autumn.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Check before visiting

Quick lakeside circuit

01
Start from the Occupation Road access and follow the circular path around the lake.
02
Pause at a bench to take in the water and look for gulls, wildfowl and common terns.
03
Spend a few minutes watching the reed edges before returning to the start.

Half day · Half day

Make time for the birds

01
Walk the circular lakeside route at an unhurried pace.
02
Use the benches as stopping points to watch the lake and reed areas.
03
Bring binoculars and scan for gulls, wildfowl and common terns; check the reed edges for reed warblers or water rail.
04
If visiting in spring or autumn, keep watch for kittiwakes, which have been recorded at the site in both seasons.

Verified history

Albert Village Lake occupies a former claypit. The National Forest links the village’s name to the Albert Brick and Tile Works, named after Prince Albert, and records that the area was previously known as Mushroom Lane.

Hidden details

Mushroom Lane — Before the area became known as Albert Village, it was called Mushroom Lane—a small piece of local place-name history to carry with you on the walk.

Look beyond the common lake birds — Alongside the gulls and wildfowl, the National Forest notes records of less usual visitors including glaucous, Caspian and yellow-legged gulls, as well as kittiwakes in spring and autumn.

When to go

April · May · September · October · A calm morning is a sensible time to watch birds; no specific time is confirmed by the source.

The National Forest records kittiwakes in spring and autumn, while gulls, wildfowl and common terns are among the birds noted at the lake. Exact peak months are not specified.

Check conditions before visiting. Car parking on Occupation Road is stated to be available during daylight hours only.

The route

surface: Gravelled, surfaced walkways
difficulty: Easy; the National Forest describes the paths as surfaced and suitable for all users.
route shape: Circular
start point: Occupation Road, Albert Village, DE11 8HA
parking start: Car parking on Occupation Road; daylight hours only.

Large central lake on a former claypit
Benches with views across the lake
Gulls, wildfowl and common terns
Reed edges where reed warblers or water rail may be seen

Worth pairing with

Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Woodland

A 19-hectare woodland near the edge of Albert Village, identified by the National Forest as a nearby pairing.

Conkers Discovery Centre

A National Forest attraction listed as nearby; check its current offer and opening arrangements before planning a visit.

Pick Triangle Wood

A nearby woodland listed by the National Forest, offering a possible second nature stop; check current access before travelling.

What to look for

Scan the open water for gulls, wildfowl and common terns, then watch the reed edges for reed warblers or water rail. The National Forest also records occasional glaucous, Caspian and yellow-legged gulls, and kittiwakes in spring and autumn.

The story

Industry

Best time to go

Spring and autumn are especially rewarding for birdwatching: the National Forest notes records of kittiwakes in both seasons. The site can be visited year-round; check conditions before setting out.

Spring and autumn offer a particular reason to bring binoculars: kittiwakes have been recorded at the lake in both seasons. For a quieter-feeling visit, try a calm morning; current access and parking arrangements should be checked before travelling.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Families · Photographers

Practical information

Opening & access

A former claypit with a circular lakeside walk on gravelled, surfaced paths. The National Forest describes the paths as suitable for all users. Car parking on Occupation Road is for daylight hours only. Wild swimming and water sports are not permitted.

Parking

Car parking on Occupation Road; daylight hours only. Check before visiting for current arrangements.

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Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

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Accessibility

The National Forest describes the gravelled walkways as surfaced paths suitable for all users. Some route details and current conditions are not specified; check before visiting if you have particular access requirements.

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Cost

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Water

Lake