Aqualate Mere

Aqualate Mere is the largest natural lake in the English Midlands, set in Staffordshire a little over 3 km east of Newport, not far from Stafford. Its shallow water, fringed by reedbeds, alder carr and woodland, forms a nature reserve of real importance for wildfowl.

What is Aqualate Mere?

The lake dates from the end of the last Ice Age, more than 10,000 years ago. It covers close to 180 acres (about 73 ha) and is almost nowhere deeper than a metre. The name comes from an Anglo-Saxon term for an oak grove, blended with a Latin word for water.

The mere lies inside a private estate beside Aqualate Hall at Forton. The original house was early 17th century. Sir John Boughey bought it in the late 1700s and in 1808 had John Nash remodel it in Gothic style. A fire on 28 November 1910 destroyed the building, and the present hall went up between 1927 and 1930 to designs by William Douglas Caroe.

What protection does it have?

It is a National Nature Reserve run by Natural England and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also a Ramsar wetland, recognised for its wintering wildfowl.

What wildlife can you see?

• Wintering ducks: mallard, teal, wigeon, pochard, tufted duck, goldeneye and gadwall.
• A heronry: birds have nested here for over 300 years.
• Rarer visitors: marsh harriers and ospreys on passage, and bitterns in the reeds through winter.

Winter is the best season, when duck numbers peak.

What is the access like?

Access is restricted. The reserve sits within private estate land, so there is no open wandering around the shoreline. Visitors can use a public hide at the eastern end of the mere, with parking for about 10 cars nearby. Entry to other parts of the reserve depends on permission from the site manager, so check current arrangements with Natural England before you travel.

How do you get there?

From Stafford, head towards Newport on the A518/A519, then follow minor roads to Forton. A car is the practical option, as public transport does not reach the reserve. Bring binoculars and footwear for muddy paths.

Frequently asked questions

Can I walk down to the water's edge? Only at the designated spot. The public hide at the east end overlooks the water; the rest is private estate with limited access.

When is the best time for birdwatching? Winter, when wildfowl gather and bitterns can turn up in the reedbeds.

Is there parking? Yes, but it is small, with room for roughly 10 cars.

Can I visit Aqualate Hall? The hall stands in a private estate and is not open as a visitor attraction.