Astonfields Balancing Lakes

Astonfields Balancing Lakes is a local nature reserve on the north-eastern edge of Stafford, in Staffordshire, England.

Astonfields Balancing Lakes
Location in Staffordshire
LocationStafford, Staffordshire
grid reference SJ 926 248
Coordinates52.8211°N 2.1119°W / 52.8211; -2.1119
Area4 hectares (9.9 acres)
DesignationLocal nature reserve
Site of Biological Importance
WebsiteAstonfields Balancing Lakes

The main purpose of the balancing lakes is flood defence; the site has also been developed for wildlife habitats. Its area is about 4 hectares (9.9 acres), and it is designated a Grade 1 Site of Biological Importance.[1]

History and description

The site of the lakes was once wet meadowland. The balancing lakes were constructed to help protect Stafford from flooding, the northern lake in the late 1970s, and the southern lake in 1990.[1]

At the northern edge of the site is the former line of the Stafford and Uttoxeter Railway, now a cycle route. The Astonfields Industrial Estate, west of the lakes, was formerly a salt works, extracting saline groundwater; the salt-rich waste deposits remain.[1]

The lakes are now important for wildlife, and the site is managed in order to protect and improve it. The northern lake is mostly open water, and has a small amount of vegetation. The southern lake, containing little open water, includes a reed bed and a small area of salt marsh.[1] It provides a habitat for water rail and snipe. There are hedgerows and woodland at the fringes of the site, a habitat for various warblers and other species.[2]

References
  1. "Astonfields Balancing Lakes" Stafford Borough Council. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  2. "Lichfield & District Local Group: Places to see birds: Astonfields Balancing Lakes Local Nature Reserve (SJ 9224)" RSPB. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
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