New lakeside nature reserve opens to the public

Otters (similar to the ones picture here) and kingfishers are among the species spotted at Clophill Lake

A new lakeside nature reserve that includes the remains of a Norman castle is opening to the public.

Clophill Lakes in Bedfordshire is managed by environmental charity The Greensand Trust, which said it would provide "a mosaic of habitats supporting a wide range of species".

Lakes and wetlands surround the "nationally important" Cainhoe Castle scheduled monument, which is a motte and bailey castle whose mounds and ditches still remain.

Greensand Trust chief executive Gill Welham said: "We hope everyone who visits will value its natural tranquillity, rich heritage and wildlife and help us safeguard this sensitive site into the future."

A view from the castle mound which was built to give a view over surrounding settlements

The Greensand Ridge forms a backdrop to the reserve, which lies in the heart of the Flit Valley. Much of the reserve is recognised as a county wildlife site where visitors can see otters, wetland birds, dragonflies and damselflies.

People are asked to keep dogs on a lead at all times and stick to paths in order to protect wildlife and the archaeological earthworks which are "extremely fragile and vulnerable to erosion" if walked over.

Cainhoe Castle was built on a natural hill, mostly likely by Nigel d'Aubigny shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The trust said there was evidence of pre-Roman, Roman and Anglo-Saxon activity on the site.

The trust pointed out that metal detecting was also prohibited and it would be managing daily public access from Saturday 09:00-17:00 with a cafe open 10:00-15:00.

The lakes are between Clophill and Shefford

Ms Welham said: "We are delighted to have reached a point where we are now able to welcome people to enjoy this stunning site.

"A stroll around the lakes is a wonderful way to appreciate this fantastic natural environment, its lakes, river and wetlands, as well as the scale of its heritage.

"I hope people will see what we are trying to achieve and support us."