Ravenstone, near Coalville, Leicestershire

Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve

Mixed-habitat reserve

Place photograph

6.2

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Free

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WetlandRiversideWoodlandBirdwatchersWildlife loversPhotographersWalkers

Why it's Wildland

6.2

A young wetland reserve with a past few visitors might expect: the site was once part of Coalville’s sewage treatment works. Today, paths and two bird hides open onto a mosaic of river, reedbed, wet woodland and open water.

Kelham Bridge’s appeal lies in its transformation: a former sewage works is now a compact wetland mosaic where hides, open water and scrub create rewarding birdwatching close to Coalville. Go in late spring, and listen for the grasshopper warbler’s distinctive reeling song.

Peaceful · Wildlife-rich

Find your way

Open map

Ravenstone, near Coalville, Leicestershire

Opening map…

Explore around here Get directions

The experience

Follow the reserve path between the bird hides, watching the changing mix of open water, reedbed, wet woodland and scrub. The visit is short, but late-spring birdsong can make it linger.

Things to do

Watch from the bird hides

Use the two hides to observe the reserve’s wetland habitats and look for birds around the open water and reedbed.

30–60 minutes

Listen for the grasshopper warbler

In late spring, listen in the early morning or late evening for the bird’s distinctive reeling song, compared by the Wildlife Trust to a fishing reel.

Follow the reserve path

Walk the single-track path linking the bird hides and take in the changing wetland, riverine and woodland habitats. Check the current route and conditions on site.

About 1 hour

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1 hour

Quick Escape: Hides and birdsong

01
Start at the reserve entrance and follow the path towards the bird hides.
02
Pause at each hide to scan the wetland and listen for birds.
03
In late spring, listen out for the grasshopper warbler’s reeling song before returning the way you came.

Half day · 2–3 hours

Make a half day of it: Explore the wetland mosaic

01
Walk the path between the two bird hides, taking time to watch the open water and reedbed.
02
Look and listen for seasonal birds; late spring is highlighted by the Wildlife Trust for birdwatching.
03
If conditions and access allow, follow the route described in the reserve video as a circular walk, checking current directions and signage on site.

Verified history

The site was used as a grass-plot sewage treatment works for Coalville from 1899 to 1989, with use continuing until 1993. Wetland restoration work began in 1995, including the recreation of natural meanders in the river. The Wildlife Trust says the reserve is relatively young; a birding account records that it was handed over to the Trust in 2002.

Hidden details

A former sewage works beneath the wetland — The reserve’s present-day habitats occupy a site that served as Coalville’s grass-plot sewage treatment works. Restoration work began in 1995, including work to recreate natural river meanders.

A late-spring sound worth waiting for — The Wildlife Trust recommends listening in the early morning and late evening for the grasshopper warbler’s reeling song.

When to go

May · June · August · December · January · Early morning or late evening in late spring for birdsong; other seasons offer different birdwatching opportunities.

The Wildlife Trust identifies late spring as the best time for birdwatching, particularly for warblers. A birding account also describes late-summer passage waders and winter visitors.

Check current path and reserve conditions before setting out; no weather-specific access information is supplied.

Worth pairing with

Sence Valley Forest Park

The Wildlife Trust names this as a parking option, about 1 km south of Kelham Bridge. The supplied sources do not establish a specific visit itinerary or facilities there.

What to look for

Listen for the grasshopper warbler’s reeling song in late spring. Scan the open water and reedbed from the hides, and notice how the reserve’s habitats meet along the valley.

The story

Industry

Best time to go

Late spring for warblers; late summer for passage waders; winter for visiting birds.

Late spring is especially good for warblers. Visit early morning or late evening to listen for grasshopper warbler; late summer and winter bring different birdwatching interest.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Birdwatchers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Walkers

Practical information

Opening & access

Wildlife Trust reserve with free entry. Check the reserve page for current access information and any temporary closures.

Check before visiting

Parking

The Wildlife Trust advises parking at Sence Valley Forest Park, about 1 km south, or on the grassy area to the right of the reserve entrance gates. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check current reserve rules and signage before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Check current path and access conditions with the Wildlife Trust before visiting; surfaced or step-free access is not verified by the supplied sources.

Check before visiting

Cost

Free

Water

River, open water, reedbed