Syston Road, west of Cossington village, Leicestershire, LE7 4UZ
Cossington Meadows
Mixed-habitat reserve
Source image
6.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.5Gravel extraction in the 1980s and 1990s left deep pits that were later relandscaped into lakes. Today, the reserve’s pools and wet grassland draw wildfowl, waders and wintering birds beside the River Soar.
This is a working wetland landscape with a strong seasonal wildlife story: deep pools hold wildfowl while winter floods leave shallow feeding areas for waders. It earns a place for birdwatching and a walk through a reserve that changes with the water.
Peaceful · Big-sky · Wild
Find your way
Open mapSyston Road, west of Cossington village, Leicestershire, LE7 4UZ
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The experience
Walk the reserve’s paths and scan the deep pools, wet grassland and muddy margins for birds. Winter is especially rewarding for wildfowl; the landscape and species change as water levels rise and recede.
Things to do
Watch winter wildfowl on the deep pools
Scan the pools for gadwall, tufted duck and mallard; the Wildlife Trust reports winter gatherings of wigeon and teal, as well as geese and swans.
Search the muddy margins for waders
After floodwater recedes, shallow pools and muddy habitats can attract waders including green sandpiper, greenshank, oystercatcher and lapwing.
Scan the meadows for hunting owls
In winter, look over the meadows and check fence posts for owls hunting or perched. The Wildlife Trust specifically mentions Barn Owls.
Walk the reserve paths beside the River Soar
Explore the wetland on paths through the reserve, which lies alongside the River Soar. The Trust notes that public footpaths enter at several points.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour; suggested duration, not an official estimate
Quick escape: pools and birdlife
- 01
Enter from the Syston Road entrance and follow the available paths beside the pools and meadows.
- 02
Pause to scan the deep pools for wildfowl and the open grassland for birds of prey.
- 03
Return by the same path; check local conditions, especially after heavy rain.
Half day · Allow half a day, including birdwatching; route time not verified
Make a half day of it: walk the wetland circuit
- 01
Start from the Syston Road entrance or the small public car park beside Cossington Parish Church.
- 02
Explore the reserve paths and pause at pools, wet grassland and muddy margins to look for different birds.
- 03
If conditions and wayfinding allow, consider the circular walk shown by Birdingplaces; its source describes a 6.5 km circuit. Confirm the route locally before relying on it.
Verified history
The wetland was quarried for gravel during the 1980s and 1990s. The pits were subsequently filled and the area relandscaped; deep holes in the north of the site filled with water to form lakes. The Wildlife Trust describes the present reserve as a wetland beside the River Soar. No further place-specific history is established by the supplied sources.
Hidden details
A landscape shaped by gravel pits — The lakes are not ancient natural meres: Birdingplaces reports that gravel extraction in the 1980s and 1990s left pits that were later filled and relandscaped.
Temporary pools after winter floods — Heavy winter rain can flood the River Soar. As the water recedes, shallow pools form and later dry to muddy habitat used by wading birds.
A chance of an uncommon visitor — The Wildlife Trust names velvet scoter, glossy ibis and American wigeon among rarities recorded in recent years; these are possibilities, not expected sightings.
When to go
January · February · March · April · September · October · November · December · A calm morning is a practical suggestion for birdwatching; the supplied sources do not specify a best time of day.
The reserve is worth visiting year-round, but the Wildlife Trust highlights winter gatherings of wigeon and teal, wintering geese and swans, and owls hunting over the meadows. Birdingplaces also identifies spring and autumn migration as good birding seasons.
Heavy winter rain can flood the river and change the reserve’s pools and muddy margins. Expect conditions and sightings to vary; check before visiting after wet weather.
The route
- surface
- Wide path reported by Birdingplaces; surface details not supplied
- distance
- A 6.5 km circular walk is described by Birdingplaces; confirm locally before relying on it.
- difficulty
- Easy, according to Birdingplaces
- route shape
- Circular, according to Birdingplaces
- start point
- Main entrance on Syston Road; other public-footpath access points are noted by the Wildlife Trust.
- parking start
- Roadside parking outside the main entrance on Syston Road, or the small public car park beside Cossington Parish Church.
- shorter alternative
- Explore a shorter out-and-back section from the Syston Road entrance; no official shorter route is specified.
- Deep pools with wildfowl
- Wet grassland and seasonal muddy margins
- River Soar-side setting
- Wintering birds and possible hunting owls
What to look for
- 01
Look across the deep pools for gadwall, tufted duck and mallard, with wigeon and teal gathering in winter. Check shallow, muddy margins for lapwing, greenshank and oystercatcher
- 02
scan fence posts and meadows for hunting owls. Recent rarities cited by the Trust include velvet scoter, glossy ibis and American wigeon.
The story
Gravel extraction and wetland restoration
Best time to go
Winter for large gatherings of ducks, geese and swans; spring and autumn for bird migration. Wildlife can be observed year-round.
Choose a calm winter morning to look for ducks, geese, swans and hunting owls. Spring and autumn are also noted for migration. Bird activity varies with season and water levels.
How long to spend
1–2 hours; allow longer for a full circuit and birdwatching
Perfect for
Wildlife lovers · Walkers · Photographers · Families
Before you go
Address
Phone
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
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust says the reserve is always open and free to enter. The main entrance is on Syston Road; public footpaths enter at other points. Livestock may be present.
Parking
Cars can be parked off the road outside the main entrance on Syston Road, or in the small public car park beside Cossington Parish Church. Check conditions and signage before setting out.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Dogs must be kept on a lead, according to the Wildlife Trust.
Accessibility
Wide paths are reported by Birdingplaces, but reserve-wide accessibility and surface conditions are not verified. Paths may be affected by wet weather and flooding; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Water
River and lakes/pools; swimming and paddling permissions are not established.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Cossington Meadows
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
