Best lakes around Sheepy offer a variety of natural landscapes, primarily located within Leicestershire's National Forest area. This region features reclaimed industrial sites transformed into woodlands, grasslands, and heathlands, providing diverse habitats. The area is characterized by its blend of managed parklands and emerging nature reserves, often incorporating lakes and ponds. These locations serve as focal points for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Sand martins return annually to an artificial nesting wall at Bagworth Heath Wood Country Park in Leicestershire, usually arriving in March to nest through the summer. The site, featuring a specialized "Sandmartin Pool," is maintained by rangers and volunteers who refresh the sandy bank annually, with hundreds of chicks raised there.
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A great place for a simple circuit of the lake or to hook up to other nearby walks. Owned by the forestry commission, the car parks are no longer free . Card or payment by app only (cash not accepted).
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Following the planting of 300,000 native broadleaf trees from 2012-2015, QEDJW is now flourishing into a beautiful young woodland made up of oak, field maple, silver birch, beech and hornbeam, to name just a few. Bluebell and wood anemone light up the forest floor in the ancient woodland areas in springtime, and at the lake you’ll find vegetation including bull rush and yellow iris.
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Sence Valley Forest Park is a significant area of woodland planting which has transformed the former opencast coal mining site, in north-west Leicestershire, into a haven for wildlife and visitors. The coal mine closed in 1996 and only two years later 98,000 Corsican pine, larch and poplars trees were planted. Another 100 acres of land was bought in 2018 and this was planted with a range of coniferous and broadleaved trees, as a sustainable forest for the future.
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The main path through the nature reserve (i.e. the one marked on komoot) takes you nowhere near the ponds or bird hide. You have to take the path off to the right near the Severn Trent Water station.
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The cafe at the garden centre is perfect for a mid ride cob
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A relatively new nature reserve that is being taken back by nature. The waters meander in a natural way, the land is allowed to flood in heavy rain, and as you walk through you’ll feel like you’re leaving the rest of the world behind. Loads of birdwatching - it's a great site for Warblers, Whitethroat, Rereed and Sedge warbler. Also Grey Partridge, Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Little Owl and Kingfisher have been spotted too. Add to this birds of prey including Osprey, Merlin, Buzzard, Kestrel and Peregrine have all been seen, along with the more locally rare marsh harrier, hen harrier and Montagu’s harrier. They've even had a red-footed falcon! Best pack your binoculars and start working through that list.
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Thornton Reservoir is a small area of water situated on the edge of the National Forest in a peaceful and picturesque location. It offers a network of trails and footpaths around the reservoir and through the neighbouring woodland areas.
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Yes, several lakes in the Sheepy area are ideal for families. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers short walks and facilities. Bagworth Heath Woods provides woodlands, grasslands, and lakes suitable for exploration. Additionally, Market Bosworth Country Park is a small park with amenities, perfect for a family stroll.
The lakes around Sheepy are rich in wildlife. At Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve, you can spot various warblers, whitethroats, grey partridges, and even birds of prey like ospreys and peregrines. Bagworth Heath Woods is known for wildfowl and aquatic plants, while Market Bosworth Country Park is a good spot for general bird watching.
Absolutely. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park offers short walks around the lake and through surrounding woods, serving as a starting point for various routes. Bagworth Heath Woods has easy-to-follow, mostly flat paths through woodlands and grasslands. For more options, you can explore the nearby easy hikes, such as the Ambion Wood loop, detailed in the Easy hikes around Sheepy guide.
Parking availability varies by location. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park has a car park, which is now paid (card or app only). Market Bosworth Country Park also has a payable car park. It's advisable to check specific location details before your visit for the most current parking information.
Yes, some locations offer facilities. Horseshoe Lake in Sence Valley Forest Park provides toilets and an information board. Market Bosworth Country Park is a small country park with a car park and toilets, and you can extend your walk to Sutton Wharf for a licensed cafe.
While not a lake itself, Bagworth Heath Woods, which features lakes and ponds, is a reclaimed colliery site. A pit wheel on an island in its largest pool serves as a reminder of the area's industrial past, offering a glimpse into its history.
The area around Sheepy offers various cycling routes. You can find options for gravel biking, such as the Donisthorpe Woodland Park loop, and general cycling tours, including the Bosworth Battlefield loop via Ashby Canal. More details can be found in the Gravel biking around Sheepy and Cycling around Sheepy guides.
The lakes around Sheepy can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring brings bluebells and wood anemones to areas like Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood. Summer is great for general outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. Autumn offers beautiful colors in the woodlands, and winter provides tranquil, crisp walks.
Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve is a relatively new nature reserve that is being reclaimed by nature. Its meandering waters and abundant birdlife, including rare raptors, make it a peaceful and rewarding spot for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.
Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood is a flourishing young woodland, planted with 300,000 native broadleaf trees between 2012-2015. In spring, bluebells and wood anemones light up the forest floor, and the lake area features bull rush and yellow iris, making it a beautiful spot for nature lovers.
Yes, from Market Bosworth Country Park, you can easily extend your walk to the Bosworth Battlefield site and the canal walk to Sutton Wharf, which features a licensed cafe. This allows you to combine natural beauty with historical exploration and local amenities.
The lakes around Sheepy are primarily located within Leicestershire's National Forest area, characterized by reclaimed industrial sites transformed into diverse habitats. You'll find a blend of woodlands, grasslands, heathlands, and managed parklands, often incorporating lakes and ponds. These areas serve as focal points for outdoor activities and wildlife observation, showcasing a unique blend of natural recovery and conservation.


Still not found your perfect lake around Sheepy? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.