Swanwick Lakes, once a clay pit for a local brick works, is now a beautiful oasis for nature in an otherwise urban area. A mixture of woodland, lakes and meadows attracts a large array of species.
The majority of the site is woodland, and during the spring it comes alive with bird song and woodpecker?drumming as a multiplicity of birds settle down to nest. Rare species such as marsh tits also thrive at this reserve.
Come summer the meadows are in full bloom; they hum and buzz with thousands of insects. North East Meadow is adorned with orchids and knapweed, as well as marbled white, meadow brown and gatekeeper butterflies. In the woodlands elusive white admiral, purple emperor and silver-washed fritillary butterflies flit between the trees.
The lakes and ponds around the site are prime locations for dragonflies and damselflies, including unusual species such as the downy emerald.