England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Northamptonshire

Explore these places for wildlife in Northamptonshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Summer Leys

Near Wollaston, near Wellingborough.

Habitat: A former gravel pit with a lake, shallow pools, islands, reed margins and wet woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Common tern (spring and summer), little ringed plover (spring and summer), hairy dragonfly (May and June), wigeon (winter) and golden plover (autumn and winter).

02 / 05

Near Aldwincle, near Thrapston.

Habitat: Lakes and islands with riverside vegetation, meadows and patches of scrub.
Wildlife to look for: Grey heron, kingfisher, hobby (late spring and summer), banded demoiselle (late spring and summer) and goosander (winter).

03 / 05

Near Holcot.

Habitat: Sheltered reservoir bays with shallow water, muddy margins, woodland and scrub.
Wildlife to look for: Great crested grebe, tree sparrow, wigeon (winter), pintail (winter) and goldeneye (winter).
Access note: A permit is required for the nature reserve; details are on the official page.

04 / 05

Near Glapthorn, near Oundle.

Habitat: Mature woodland and dense blackthorn scrub with grassy rides and clearings.
Wildlife to look for: Black hairstreak butterfly (mainly June), white admiral butterfly (summer), nightingale (spring and early summer), nuthatch and tawny owl.

05 / 05

Near Yarwell.

Habitat: Ancient woodland, limestone grassland and scrub across old quarry workings.
Wildlife to look for: Great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, grizzled skipper butterfly (spring), dingy skipper butterfly (mainly late spring and early summer) and glow-worm (summer nights).