| A large water-filled gravel pit with
islands. The lake attracts an astonishing number of waterbirds.
The site is part of the Colne Valley lakes at Rickmansworth and is almost adjacent to Springwell Reedbed. Stocker's Lake is one of the oldest gravel pits in the Colne Valley. Wintering duck such as shoveler and goldeneye are common visitors in nationally important numbers. There are over sixty recorded species of breeding birds, including the common tern which breeds on specially constructed rafts in the lake. The heronry is the largest in the county. Around the margins of the lake are areas of reed and sedge marsh with meadow-rue, meadowsweet and the locally rare large bittercress providing the wildflower interest. There are also areas of alder carr and willow scrub. Warblers frequent these areas in spring. Stocker's Lake is designated a Local Nature Reserve. The Trust has a management agreement with the owner, Three Valleys Water, and works with the local Friends of Stockers Lake. |
 Management of the site ranges from
pollarding and vegetation clearance to
the construction of observation hides to reduce disturbance of the bird
populations. |
| Visiting |
 Entrance to the reserve via Bury Lake Aquadrome (with parking)
or, from the A412 into Rickmansworth, turn right at Mill End into Springwell
Lane, go over bridge and immediately left. Park in car parks along Springwell
Lane (not in front of reserve entrance. |
 Bus stop at Aquadrome; 5 minutes walk. Trains to Rickmansworth
(Metropolitan Line); 10 minutes walk. |
 Accessible at all times. |
 Best times to visit are spring and autmumn for breeding and migrating
birds, mid-May for young herons flying' lessons. May onwards for wildflowers.
Winter for water birds. |
 Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. |
 Walking shoes are recommended. |