Rushy Common Nature Reserve and Tar Lakes

The lakes themselves were once gravel pits, but they've been thoughtfully restored into thriving wetland habitats that locals still call the Tar Lakes.

This is an excellent place to spend a peaceful hour or two walking the well-maintained paths that loop around and through the reserve. The landscape varies considerably across the site, with open water sitting alongside dense reedbeds, wet grassland, and scrubland, each supporting different creatures. Birdwatchers will find plenty to keep them occupied throughout the year, with waterfowl and wading birds particularly abundant during migration seasons. Summer brings dragonflies and damselflies darting above the water, creating their own spectacle.

What makes this place especially worth visiting is the wider story it tells. These former industrial sites have transformed into genuinely important natural spaces, showing how working landscapes can evolve into thriving ecosystems when given the chance. It's a real conservation success that demonstrates nature's resilience and adaptability.

Whether you're specifically hoping to identify certain birds or simply after some quiet time in fresh air, the reserve delivers on both fronts. The paths are designed to let you observe without intruding on the wildlife, making it an accessible way to connect with the natural world.