Alton
Water, Anglian Water’s fourth largest reservoir,
is situated just south of Ipswich. It provides the drinking
water for 200,000 customers and covers an area of nearly
400 acres in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Most of the site is covered by freshwater and provides
an excellent habitat for a wide range of winter wildfowl
as well as summer breeding conditions for great crested
grebes and common terns. An eight mile cycle track around
the water provides easy
access
for visitors who are able to pass through a variety
of different habitats including grassland, broad-leaved
woodland, native scrub, reed beds and wildflower
meadows.
Over the last ten years the owners, Anglian Water,
and a dedicated team of conservation volunteers
from the local community have carried out an extensive
programme of habitat improvement. This work has
attracted the support of many local wildlife groups
in addition to enhancing the enjoyment of the 100,000
people who visit Alton Water every year.
This web site is designed to demonstrate some of
the work that is going on and to celebrate the wildlife
attracted to the area.
News and Updates
Many of the summer migrants are here
Many of the Nightingale males have now established their territories. The Common Terns arrived Sunday, 25th.
Many other species can be heard if not seen around the site.
Nightingale survey will be 7PM Friday, May 7th. Let us know if you want to join in.
Updated : 25/04/2010
BTO Bird-Atlas
Alton Water Volunteers have sponsored a page in the Bird Atlas which is due to be published in 2011.
We have chosen the Common Tern as it regularly breeds on our 5 rafts. Last Year we ringed 97 chicks.
Updated : 15/02/2010
Sightings - we need your help!
A bittern was seen flying low over the water towards the sailing club on the 17th Jan. Also a peregrine in the same area on the same day. A woodcock was also reported on the 17th. No sign laterly of the Great Northern Divers or scaup. Bramling seen on feeders at Larchwood on 19th Jan. Female smew at lemons Hill also on the 19th Jan
We need your help in maintaining our bird list as part of the BTO Bird Challenge 2010. If you spot anything unusual please send us an e-mail. Many thanks
Updated : 15/02/2010
Do visit our hides
We have 2 hides in Larchwood, both open to the Public, that were designed and constructed by volunteers. They have good views of 2 of the tern rafts & you may even see the Kingfisher going about its business.
There is another hide on the North shore, 20 minutes walk from Lemons bridge car park or a shorter walk from Blackpond Meadow.
