Alrewas, Staffordshire

Croxall Lakes

Mixed-habitat reserve

Source image

6.7

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Free

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

LakesideWetlandRiversideRemote countrysideWildlife loversWalkersPhotographersFamilies

Why it's Wildland

6.7

Once sand and gravel workings, Croxall Lakes has been restored into a reserve of lakes, tall grassland and bird habitat beside the River Trent. Autumn brings substantial numbers of wildfowl and waders; in winter, short-eared owls may hunt low over the grass.

Croxall is more than a lakeside stroll: its former gravel workings have become a 42-hectare reserve where autumn wildfowl, wintering birds and the possibility of a low-flying short-eared owl give the landscape a clear seasonal purpose. Go for the wildlife, and keep to the paths and areas open to visitors.

Peaceful · Wild · Big-sky

Find your way

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Alrewas, Staffordshire

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The experience

Take a quiet, wildlife-led visit rather than treating Croxall as a route to cover. Walk the open, fairly flat paths, pause to watch the lakes and grassland, and keep an eye out for seasonal birds. Stay within signed public areas and check the car park’s closing time.

Things to do

Watch the lakes for wildfowl and waders

The two main lakes attract substantial numbers of wildfowl and waders during autumn. Watch from paths and areas open to the public.

Allow time to pause during your walk

Scan the grassland for short-eared owls

From November to January, short-eared owls may fly low over areas of tall grass as they hunt for small mammals. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Look for signs of otters

Look for footprints and spraints. The reserve information describes these signs as common; this is not a guarantee of seeing an otter.

Take a gentle walk on the main reserve paths

Explore the fairly flat, smooth paths and enjoy views across the lakes and surrounding landscape. Some areas are closed to protect sensitive wildlife, so follow the signs.

1–2 hours

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick Escape: lakeside birdwatch

01
Park at the reserve entrance, checking the height restriction and current car-park closing time.
02
Follow the open, fairly flat paths and pause at suitable viewpoints to watch the lakes and grassland.
03
In autumn, look for wildfowl and waders; from November to January, scan tall grass for short-eared owls.
04
Stay within areas open to visitors and follow on-site wildlife and dog signs.

Half day · Half day

Make a Half Day of It: slow reserve visit

01
Arrive during the car park’s stated opening period and check the reserve signs for open paths and dog access.
02
Take an unhurried walk on the fairly flat, smooth paths, pausing to watch the lakes and the surrounding grassland.
03
Spend time looking for seasonal wildfowl and waders; in winter, watch the tall grassland for short-eared owls and check for otter signs.
04
Bring your own refreshments: the supplied source row reports no café or toilets, and the Trust reserve page lists no café or toilet facility.

Verified history

Croxall Lakes was formerly quarried for sand and gravel. The worked landscape was restored as a nature reserve; the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust says that breeding-bird numbers have gradually increased since restoration works were completed. The supplied sources do not give the dates of quarrying or restoration.

Hidden details

Otter signs can be easier to find than otters — The supplied reserve description notes that footprints and spraints are common. Look for evidence along the reserve rather than expecting a direct sighting.

A winter owl worth watching for — Short-eared owls may hunt low over the tall grass between November and January; the Trust notes they are not commonly seen in Staffordshire.

When to go

March · April · May · September · October · November · December · Visit during the reserve car park’s opening hours. The supplied sources do not identify a more specific best time of day.

The Trust recommends March to May and September to December. Autumn brings substantial numbers of wildfowl and waders; November to January offers a chance of seeing short-eared owls hunting over tall grass.

Paths may be muddy in winter according to the source row. Dress for exposed, changeable weather and check conditions before visiting; no detailed weather guidance is supplied.

Worth pairing with

National Memorial Arboretum

The reserve is described by the Trust as being opposite the National Memorial Arboretum, across the river. Consider pairing the two only if both suit your plans; check the Arboretum’s own access and visitor information separately.

What to look for

01
Watch the lakes for autumn wildfowl and waders. In November–January, scan the tall grassland for short-eared owls flying low
02
look for otter footprints or spraints, which the supplied reserve information describes as common signs.

The story

Landscape restoration after sand and gravel quarrying; wetland and bird habitat

Best time to go

March–May and September–December; autumn is especially promising for wildfowl and waders, while short-eared owls may be seen from November to January.

The Trust recommends March–May and September–December. For winter bird interest, visit between November and January, when short-eared owls may be seen hunting over tall grass. The reserve car park opens at 8am and closes at 5pm in winter or 7pm in summer.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Wildlife lovers · Walkers · Photographers · Families

Practical information

Opening & access

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust reserve, 42 hectares. The reserve has fairly flat, smooth paths, with some areas closed to protect sensitive wildlife. The small entrance car park has a height barrier and is locked overnight: 8am–5pm in winter and 8am–7pm in summer. Check current on-site signs and access information before visiting.

Check before visiting

Parking

Small car park at the reserve entrance; height barrier and seasonal overnight locking apply. Check current closing time before setting out.

Check before visiting

Toilets

No toilets are listed in the supplied source information; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

No café is listed in the supplied source information; bring refreshments or check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs on a lead; check on-site signs for the areas where dogs are permitted.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The main track is reached through RADAR kissing gates and paths are described as fairly flat and smooth. Other paths have pedestrian kissing gates; contact the Trust for further disabled-access information. Some areas are closed to visitors for wildlife protection.

Cost

Free

Water

Lakes, with the reserve beside the River Trent. Swimming and kayaking are not permitted according to the source row; no water activities are offered.