Near Horton and Poyle, Slough, Berkshire
Arthur Jacob Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Source image
5.8
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.8Former sewage-sludge lagoons were transformed into wetland habitat and designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1999. Today, lagoons, reedbeds, planted woodland and wildflower areas make this a small but distinctive nature stop close to Heathrow.
A compact urban-edge reserve with a useful reclamation story: former sludge lagoons now support wetland habitat, while surfaced paths give views across lagoons and wet woodland that visitors cannot enter. Its strongest appeal is this contrast between habitat restoration and its proximity to Heathrow.
Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapNear Horton and Poyle, Slough, Berkshire
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The experience
Follow the surfaced paths and pause at the lagoon edges to take in the wetland setting. The site is small, and the available evidence does not establish a formal circuit, visit duration or additional facilities.
Things to do
View the lagoons from the paths
Follow the surfaced paths for views across lagoons formed from the former sludge-lagoon site. Do not enter wet woodland areas; they are not accessible for health-and-safety reasons.
Look for summer dragonflies and butterflies
In good summer weather, scan the lagoon and wetland edges for dragonflies and butterflies.
Notice the habitat restoration
Look at the relationship between the lagoons, reedbeds and planted woodland: the reserve was created by transforming former derelict sewage-sludge lagoons into wetland habitat.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Not verified
A short lagoon-side nature stop
- 01
Enter via the signposted entrance off Stanwell Road, between Horton and Poyle.
- 02
Follow the surfaced paths and view the lagoons and wet woodland from accessible paths.
- 03
In good summer weather, watch for dragonflies and butterflies.
Half day · Check before visiting
Pair the reserve with Poyle Poplars
- 01
Visit Arthur Jacob Nature Reserve for a path-side look at its lagoons and wetland habitat.
- 02
If access and time suit, continue to nearby Poyle Poplars for a shaded walk; confirm the route between the sites before setting out.
Verified history
The reserve was created by transforming derelict sewage-sludge lagoons into wetland habitat. It opened in 1996 and was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1999. The available sources do not provide further substantiated historical detail.
Hidden details
The reserve’s former use — The lagoons are not natural ponds: the borough says the site was created from derelict sewage-sludge lagoons and subsequently transformed into wetland habitat.
Wet woodland is viewed, not entered — Wet woodland areas are inaccessible for health-and-safety reasons, although they can be appreciated from paths.
When to go
· No preferred time of day is established by the available sources.
The Woodland Trust notes that dragonflies and butterflies may be spotted in good summer weather. Other seasonal claims are not verified.
The Woodland Trust identifies good summer weather as favourable for spotting dragonflies and butterflies. Path conditions and weather-related access restrictions are not specified.
Worth pairing with
Poyle Poplars
A nearby shaded walk mentioned alongside Arthur Jacob Nature Reserve by the Colne Valley Regional Park. Verify access and the route between the sites before visiting.
What to look for
- 01
Look across the lagoons for the contrast between open water and reedbed habitat
- 02
notice the maturing planted woodland and wet woodland from the paths. The wet woodland itself is not accessible.
The story
Landscape restoration; Local Nature Reserve designation
Best time to go
Summer, when dragonflies and butterflies may be seen in good weather; other seasonal highlights are not established by the available evidence.
In good summer weather, look for dragonflies and butterflies. Exact peak dates and quieter visiting times are not verified.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A signposted entrance is reported off Stanwell Road. The reserve has surfaced paths and lagoons; wet woodland areas are not accessible for health-and-safety reasons but can be viewed from paths. Check current access before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking availability and arrangements are not established; check before visiting. The supplied map pin identifies the main place, not an entrance or parking location.
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Toilets
Check before visiting
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Food & drink
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Dogs
The source listing indicates dogs are allowed; confirm any restrictions or lead requirements with the reserve manager before visiting.
Accessibility
Surfaced paths are documented, but step-free access, path gradients and other accessibility details are not verified. Wet woodland is inaccessible for health-and-safety reasons.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Lagoons and wetland habitat; four reedbeds are reported by the Colne Valley Regional Park source. Swimming and paddling permission is not established.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Arthur Jacob Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
