Holywell Lake

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Cambridgeshire South Cambridgeshire

England

Holywell Lake

Ferryboat Inn seen across the River Great Ouse
Ferryboat Inn seen across the River Great Ouse Credit: Peter S

Holywell Lake is a picturesque freshwater body located in Cambridgeshire, England. This serene lake, often referred to as a pool or pond, is nestled within the enchanting landscape of Holywell Fen, a nature reserve renowned for its diverse flora and fauna.

Covering an area of approximately 5 hectares, Holywell Lake is a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. The lake's calm and tranquil waters are home to a wide variety of aquatic species, including fish, amphibians, and waterfowl. Visitors can often spot graceful swans gliding across the surface, while ducks and geese paddle leisurely along the shoreline.

Surrounded by lush vegetation and reed beds, Holywell Lake also serves as a vital habitat for numerous bird species. The area provides an ideal breeding ground for reed warblers, sedge warblers, and other wetland birds. During the summer months, the lake becomes a symphony of birdsong, as these beautiful creatures establish their territories and court potential mates.

Holywell Lake is easily accessible to visitors, with well-maintained footpaths that wind through the nature reserve. The tranquil ambiance and scenic beauty make it a popular spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and nature photography. The lake's freshwater marshes and surrounding wetland areas also play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate ecological balance of the region.

Overall, Holywell Lake is a hidden gem in Cambridgeshire, offering a peaceful retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Whether it's birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, this idyllic lake provides a welcome respite from the bustle of everyday life.

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Holywell Lake Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.309545/-0.03416672 or Grid Reference TL3469. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ferryboat Inn seen across the River Great Ouse
Ferryboat Inn seen across the River Great Ouse
Island view, Drayton Lagoon It was apparent that there was less bird life on this lake than on nearby Ferry Lagoon, however a couple of swans were in view near the island.
Island view, Drayton Lagoon
It was apparent that there was less bird life on this lake than on nearby Ferry Lagoon, however a couple of swans were in view near the island.
Path to Drayton Lagoon
Path to Drayton Lagoon
Old flood gates at the end of Covell's Drain Well past being any use.
Old flood gates at the end of Covell's Drain
Well past being any use.
Path by the Great Ouse With high water levels in Ferry Lagoon to the left.
Path by the Great Ouse
With high water levels in Ferry Lagoon to the left.
Cattle north of Ferry Lagoon
Cattle north of Ferry Lagoon
Holywell, St John the Baptist
Holywell, St John the Baptist
Common Seal in the Great Ouse It is not unusual to see common seals in the river between here and Earith, with animals coming inland from the Wash, with some spending considerable time in the area, including giving birth.
Common Seal in the Great Ouse
It is not unusual to see common seals in the river between here and Earith, with animals coming inland from the Wash, with some spending considerable time in the area, including giving birth.
Cattle by the Great Ouse With a Cattle Egret in attendance, as is now unremarkable. Just three years ago it would have been quite a notable bird sighting.
Cattle by the Great Ouse
With a Cattle Egret in attendance, as is now unremarkable. Just three years ago it would have been quite a notable bird sighting.
Field near Holywell
Field near Holywell
River Great Ouse North of Fen Drayton lakes RSPB reserve.
River Great Ouse
North of Fen Drayton lakes RSPB reserve.
River Great Ouse North of Fen Drayton lakes RSPB reserve, looking towards Holywell village.
River Great Ouse
North of Fen Drayton lakes RSPB reserve, looking towards Holywell village.
Needingworth: cricket at Millfields Needingworth played Camden (Cambridge) in a Cambridgeshire league match and won handsomely on the warmest day of the year to date.
Needingworth: cricket at Millfields
Needingworth played Camden (Cambridge) in a Cambridgeshire league match and won handsomely on the warmest day of the year to date.
Bridleway by the Great Ouse
Bridleway by the Great Ouse
Footbridge and Sluice Gate at Covell's Drain
Footbridge and Sluice Gate at Covell's Drain
River Great Ouse at Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve:
River Great Ouse at Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve:
Receding flood waters at Ferry Lagoon, Fen Drayton Lakes This area drains slowly after flooding, giving very good wet grassland habitat for species such as Black-tailed Godwit and Pintail that are displaced from the nearby Ouse Washes by the high water levels there.
Receding flood waters at Ferry Lagoon, Fen Drayton Lakes
This area drains slowly after flooding, giving very good wet grassland habitat for species such as Black-tailed Godwit and Pintail that are displaced from the nearby Ouse Washes by the high water levels there.
Holywell Ferry Road Path to the river from Fen Drayton Lakes car park.
Holywell Ferry Road
Path to the river from Fen Drayton Lakes car park.
Show me another place!

Holywell Lake is located at Grid Ref: TL3469 (Lat: 52.309545, Lng: -0.03416672)

Administrative County: Cambridgeshire

District: South Cambridgeshire

Police Authority: Cambridgeshire

What 3 Words

///retrieves.gong.glaze. Near Needingworth, Cambridgeshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.309545,-0.03416672
Barrier: kissing_gate
Bicycle: no
Foot: yes
Horse: no
Motor Vehicle: no
Lat/Long: 52.3114079/-0.0322774
Barrier: kissing_gate
Bicycle: no
Foot: yes
Horse: no
Motor Vehicle: no
Lat/Long: 52.3121252/-0.0363277
Crossing
Crossing: unmarked
Lat/Long: 52.3077521/-0.0321734
Bus Stop
The Busway Fen Drayton Lakes
Naptan AtcoCode: 0500SFEND005
Naptan Bearing: E
Naptan CommonName: The Busway Fen Drayton Lakes
Naptan Crossing: Fen Drayton Reserve
Naptan Indicator: S-bound
Naptan Landmark: Fen Drayton Reserve
Naptan NaptanCode: cmbgjwgw
Naptan ShortCommonName: Busway Fen Drayton
Naptan Street: Guided Busway
Naptan Verified: no
Note: location adjusted from survey
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 52.3078024/-0.0327905
Bus Stop
The Busway Fen Drayton Lakes
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 0500SFEND006
Naptan Bearing: W
Naptan CommonName: The Busway Fen Drayton Lakes
Naptan Crossing: Fen Drayton Reserve
Naptan Indicator: N-bound
Naptan Landmark: Fen Drayton Reserve
Naptan NaptanCode: cmbgjwja
Naptan ShortCommonName: Busway Fen Drayton
Naptan Street: Guided Busway
Naptan Verified: no
Note: location adjusted from survey
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 52.307727/-0.0327959
Crossing
Crossing: uncontrolled
Lat/Long: 52.3076949/-0.0321635
Bicycle Parking
Bicycle Parking: stands
Capacity: 12
Covered: no
Lat/Long: 52.3076523/-0.0325299
Information: guidepost
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 52.3115693/-0.0323085
Board Type: nature
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 52.3112939/-0.0323406
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 52.3076564/-0.0324372
Bird lookout
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 52.30783/-0.0370972
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 52.3081301/-0.0318714
Access: private
Barrier: lift_gate
Locked: yes
Material: metal
Lat/Long: 52.3075267/-0.0320025
Bench
Backrest: yes
Fixme: confirm location (I had no gps)
Lat/Long: 52.3080044/-0.0385558
Parking
Fishermans Carpark
Access: private
Lat/Long: 52.3079016/-0.0276516
Parking
Access: permit
Lat/Long: 52.3083014/-0.0372211
Bench
Lat/Long: 52.3078493/-0.0370583
Barrier: bollard
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 52.3076911/-0.0320609
Barrier: bollard
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 52.3076969/-0.0322953
Bicycle Parking
Bicycle Parking: stands
Capacity: 12
Covered: no
Lat/Long: 52.3076638/-0.0322574
Bicycle Parking
Capacity: 6
Lat/Long: 52.3080108/-0.0370483
Crossing
Crossing: uncontrolled
Lat/Long: 52.3081006/-0.0369667
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Seats: 3
Lat/Long: 52.3122071/-0.0349368
Bench
Lat/Long: 52.3121795/-0.0373003
Board Type: nature
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 52.3122216/-0.0373397
Information: board
Operator: RSPB
Support: wall_mounted
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 52.310569/-0.0321722
Bench: yes
Leisure: picnic_table
Lit: no
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 52.3105404/-0.0317413
Bench: yes
Leisure: picnic_table
Lit: no
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 52.3104752/-0.0316787
Toilets
Access: yes
Fee: no
Portable: yes
Toilets Disposal: chemical
Unisex: yes
Lat/Long: 52.3106489/-0.0322828
Barrier: bollard
Bollard: fixed
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 52.3079776/-0.0321029
Barrier: bollard
Bollard: fixed
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 52.3080045/-0.0321003
Barrier: bollard
Bollard: fixed
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 52.3080289/-0.0321003
Barrier: bollard
Bollard: fixed
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 52.3080567/-0.0320923
Barrier: bollard
Bollard: fixed
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 52.3080877/-0.0320923
Barrier: bollard
Bollard: fixed
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 52.3081227/-0.0320776
Bench
Backrest: no
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 52.3080917/-0.0318362
Bench: yes
Leisure: picnic_table
Lit: no
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 52.3075919/-0.0326364
Bench: yes
Leisure: picnic_table
Lit: no
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 52.3075576/-0.0323457
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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