Locations: Warwickshire

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve situated alongside the River Severn near the village of Brandon. It is an SSSI managed by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and comprises of ten main pools surrounded by wetland vegetation. There are also a couple of small woods adding to the diversity of the reserve.

The reserve is accessed from Brandon Lane, off the A45 just past the Tollbar End roundabout. Car parking is provided next to the Visitor Centre. There is an admission fee for non Wildlife Trust members.

The reserve is a good all round site for native plants, butterflies, dragonflies and birds. In respect of the latter, it is particularly good for over wintering wildfowl; warblers; & waders during the spring and autumn migration. The extensive reedbeds attract over-wintering bitterns.

Draycote Water is a reservoir and country park close to the village of Dunchurch, approximately six kilometres from Rugby. The reservoir is managed by Severn Trent.

The entrance is accessed from the A426, Southam Road, which leads to a Pay & Display car park.

A combination of tarmaced road and pathway runs around the reservoir providing an enjoyable five mile walk.

Draycote Water is particularly good for over-wintering wildfowl, with the Great Northern Diver, Slavonian & Black-necked Grebes, and Smew being frequent visitors. A large Gull roost forms from August continuing through the winter months. There is a hide in ‘Toft Bay’ which is situated close to a feeding station giving the opportunity for close-up views and photographs of the finch and tit family; look out for Redpolls and Siskins during the winter months. It is a good place for bird watching during the spring and autumn migration and quite often attracts rare vagrants.