Lackford Lakes is a jewel of a nature reserve. Located just outside of Bury St Edmunds, this collection of lakes, reedbed, meadow and woodland are home to a spectacular array of species.

A year-round wonder Lackford Lakes never ceases to be an interesting visit. Follow the routes across the reserve and stop by the hides for quiet moments and get up close to nature.

In the spring listen out for the melodic song of the nightingales and warblers. Wildflowers begin to emerge and really come into their own in the Summer. The summer brings a slew of invertebrates, from magnificent dragonflies to beautiful solitary mining bees. Autumn welcomes golden gilt evenings with spectacular sunsets. Wander through the woodland paths as the leaves fall and look out for impressive fungi. Scarlet elfcup, puffballs and bracket fungi are great spots on the reserve. And as winter arrives so do a spectacular show of migratory waders and ducks.

Between November and January there is the opportunity to see the stunning murmuration’s performed by roosting starlings. Keep an eye on the Lackford Lakes Facebook page for updates about this!

The Visitor Centre team is made up of Catherine, Hawk, Josie and Mike.

All working to ensure the smooth running of the visitor centre, from monitoring visitor enquiries online, handling stock for the coffee shop and gift shop, and welcoming visitors to the nature reserve their work is integral to the day to day of Lackford Lakes. 

Mike enjoys the changing seasons at Lackford and is always on hand to help answer visitor’s questions. If you would like an idea of what to expect when visiting Lackford at a specific time, scroll down to the bottom of the reserve's page to find a seasonal update expertly written by Mike.

Hawk enjoys meeting the people and getting to know the regulars at Lackford Lakes, he also has a great knowledge of insects with bees and wasps being of special interest. If you have a question about wasps or bees, between Hawk and Katy (our Engagement Officer) you can be sure you’ll get a brilliant answer.

At the Visitor Centre you can enjoy a range of food and drink, and whilst you sit look through the floor-to-ceiling windows towards where wildlife frequently appears. This winter water rail, have regularly been spotted in this area picking up crumbs from the bird feeders! 

Katy is our Engagement Officer at Lackford Lakes, she runs a variety of different events and opportunities to get up close with nature. 

Alongside regular events like Wild Tots, Katy organises seasonal specials including a Christmas Grotto, Halloween nights, and Easter themed sessions. She's also looking forward to hosting brand new events at Lackford Lakes;

Wild Families: a family session for ages 5yrs+ to explore different nature themes alongside themed activities.

Young Naturalists: a new monthly wildlife club for teens (aged 11-16yrs). Learn about wildlife and nature with a different theme each month with accompanying activities to help you brush up on your skills and expand your knowledge.

One of Katy's favourite parts about working at Lackford Lakes is spotting the continuous changes nature creates. Each week with her tots group will spot something new and exciting that marks a change in the season as they walk down to their session space, Creepy Crawly Corner!

Find out more about events at Lackford Lakes

We also have a team of Wardens who are based at Lackford Lakes. Becky is our West Suffolk Warden, keeping a watchful eye on the work needed across 7 sites including Lackford Lakes, Blackbourn Valley and Mickle Mere Nature Reserve. Working closely with Becky is Linsey, our Assistant Warden. Both Becky and Linsey enjoy the variety of work that comes with their roles, covering 7 sites also includes managing a variety of habitats from woodlands, wetlands, meadows and Brecklands. 

Together they carry out vital conservation work across the West Suffolk area with a variety of habitats alongside the help of weekly work parties made up of a group of regular volunteers. 

Becky, Linsey and Katy also run the Lackford Lakes Young Wardens. A regular group for young people aged 11-16 who want to learn more about nature, develop their practical conservation skills, and spend time outdoors.