Watermead Country Park

Watermead Country Park is one of the best sites in Leicestershire for bird watching and nature study. As well as the Reedbed Nature Reserve which opened in 2004, the park is also home to the Birstall Nature Reserve, situated towards the south of the park. This area has been a reserve since the early 1980s.

Surfaced paths throughout the park provide an opportunity for walking, running and cycling, and many seats along these trails are ideal places for visitors to sit and enjoy the general peace and quiet.

The country park forms part of the Leicester Marathon course held in October each year and the main cycle route through the park is part of the National Cycle Network linking Leicester City with Loughborough and the north of the county.

For the fisherman, season permits can be obtained (during the fishing season) for John Merricks Lake, King Lear’s Lake and the Lily Pond. Day tickets can be purchased from on-site staff (on the bank) for King Lear’s and the Lily Pond.

Families visiting the park can enjoy picnics and children can explore the Jurassic Play Trail around King Lear’s Lake.

Other activities such as windsurfing, sailing and model boating can be enjoyed in the park through local clubs, and the local Newfoundland Dog Rescue Group lay on demonstrations and training sessions at various times of the year.