Explore a landscape transformed from gravel pit to nature’s paradise. Open water gives way to wet grasslands and reedbeds, meadows and woodland that teem with life.
Beautiful and tranquil, Middleton Lakes is a mosaic of wetlands, meadows and woodland in the heart of the River Tame Valley. Several kilometres of trails lead visitors through rich habitats, alive with a variety of birds including Grey Herons, Avocets, Kingfishers and Lapwings. But it's not just birds – the reserve is also home to Otters, butterflies, dragonflies and rare wetland plants.
Visitors are well looked after at Middleton Lakes. The team at the Welcome hub provide up-to-date information and orientation. You can grab a snack or ice cream to explore the reserve with. Families are well catered for too. Kids can go wild in our play meadow, build a den or try pond dipping.
Middleton's wetlands are an idyllic setting for wintering birds such as Teal, Wigeon and Goldeneye as well as breeding birds including Redshank and Little Ringed Plover. Our Old English Longhorn Cattle and Konik ponies play a considerable part in maintaining our habitats, creating perfect conditions for a variety of wildlife.
1 November - 28 February: open daily, 8.30am-4pm.
1 March - 31 October: open daily, 8am-5pm.
The car park entrance closes at the above times, but the access track closes at sunset so you can still exit after that time.
50 spaces - 3 Blue Badge spaces
Car park barriers restrict access for vehicles over 6'11" (2.1m) in height.
No lighting.
The surface is rough gravel, with fine gravel on the pedestrian path.
No formal drop-off point.
There is not currently an accessible toilet in the courtyard.
When staff are present at the Hall, visitors may ask to use this toilet by telephoning the Middleton Hall office on 01827 283 095 or by speaking to one of the courtyard tenants (café/shop owners).
When the Hall is not staffed, there is not an accessible toilet available for use.
The next closest accessible toilet is at Kingbury Water Park 2.3 miles away.
We don't have baby changing facilities here at the reserve.
They can be found at neighbouring Middleton Hall. See their website for details.
Four signposted trails.
Mostly flat. Surfaces vary including rough grass, compacted earth small sections of boardwalk. Compacted aggregate and gravel. Can get uneven and very boggy in wet weather.
One of the four viewing screens is on a granite surfaced path which runs from the canal to the lookout hide.
Four signposted trails.
Mostly flat. Surfaces vary including rough grass, compacted earth small sections of boardwalk. Compacted aggregate and gravel. Can get uneven and very boggy in wet weather.
One of the four viewing screens is on a granite surfaced path which runs from the canal to the lookout hide.
Two wheelchair Accessible picnic benches are situated on fine gravel near car park.
There are no toilets on this reserve.
Public toilets are located in the Courtyard of Middleton Hall. They are open between 10am-4:30pm everyday and are accessed by using a short ramp.
The female toilets have two cubicles and the male toilets have two cubicles. There is one wash basin and hand dryer in each toilet.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs on leads are welcome on all the rights of way through the site.
There are some areas which are off limits to dogs which include the Play meadow and parts of the wetland trails which are clearly signed.
There are no dog waste bins on site.
Assistance dogs are welcome on all parts of the reserve
Discover exciting events all year at Middleton Lakes. Join us for our insect safari or our fungi foray.
We know that Middleton Lakes is a special place for many. If you or your loved one have shared happy memories there, you can make a donation to the reserve on our dedication page. It can be in celebration or in memory, and you can post an image along with your message.