Rickmansworth Aquadrome Local Nature Reserve

Bats

Wildlife

At least eight bat species can be found at the Aquadrome, including daubentons which skim across the water as they hunt for tasty morsels.

Show on map

Bird Feeding Areas

Wildlife

There are two bird feeding areas at the Aquadrome, one on each lake.  Please feed the birds grains and seeds rather than bread as it really isn�t very good for them as it simply doesn�t contain the right nutrients to keep them healthy.

Show on map

Birds

Wildlife

The Aquadrome is important for birds, especially overwintering waterfowl.  Species recorded include goldeneye, smew, common tern, goosander, gadwall, great crested grebe, heron, tufted duck and kingfisher.  Goosander can be seen during the winter.  They belong to the sawbill family, so-called because of their long serrated bills, used for catching their favourite food, fish.

Show on map

Bury and Batchworth Lake

Site of historical interest

The two lakes are flooded former gravel pits.  These operated between 1924 and 1926 and it is said that some of the extracted gravel was used to build the original Wembley Stadium.  Once gravel extraction ceased the pits naturally filled with water.  By 1928 the Aquadrome was owned by The Aquadrome Company, a group of London businessmen who profited from the recreational value of the site until 1941 when the Aquadrome was commandeered by the War Department for army exercises.  Rickmansworth Urban District Council purchased the Aquadrome in 1960 and it now provides a variety of formal and informal activities.

Show on map

Bury Lake

Water Habitat

To keep yourself safe, when you are in, on or beside water, always follow the Water Safety Code.

If you happen to see one of the swans in danger or hurt, please contact The Swan Sanctuary on 01923 240790 or 07940 183600 with the exact location and nature of distress. For further information, please visit www.theswansanctuary.org.uk.

Show on map

Butterflies

Wildlife

White-letter hairstreak butterflies are quite rare but they have been seen flying high up in the canopy of the trees here where they feed on honeydew.  They have declined since the 1970s when Dutch Elm disease killed off a huge proportion of elms, which are the butterfly�s foodplant.

Show on map

Cafe in the Park

Food & Drink

An independent caf� come restaurant serving great food and drink, made here by people who enjoy what they are doing.  Good ethics are at the heart of all that we do from our sourcing to how we work with those around us. We choose our suppliers carefully and only buy from farmers who practise traditional, free-range farming methods without the use of unnecessary antibiotics. We believe that good food can unite a community.

https://thecafeinthepark.com/

Show on map

Car Park – Aquadrome

Car Park

Free car park, including bays for blue badge holders.

Show on map

Damselfly

Wildlife

Common blue damselflys can be seen darting around the Aquadrome between April and September.  This is the a common damselfly which is around 35mm in length.  It loves to live around ponds, rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

Show on map

Dog-Free Picnic Area

Picnic Area

If it is a nice day why not stay for a picnic in the dog-free picnic area?

Show on map

Ebury Play Area

Playground

The Ebury Play Area is aimed at children of all ages and abilities with both modern and traditional play equipment. There is a ‘purple’ play tower, junior swing, toddler swing, inclusive swing, roundabout, zip wire and sand pit to name just a few of the items on offer.

Show on map

Fish

Wildlife

Carp were originally introduced to the UK by the Romans and can now be found in ponds, lakes and slow flowing rivers.  Carp mainly feed on the bottom of the lakes at the Aquadrome but they can been seen during the summer as the cruise just below the surface of the water feeding on fallen insects.

Show on map

Health Walk Start Point

Health Walk Start Point

Meet outside Caf� in the Park, Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Frogmore Lane, WD3 1NB.

Tuesdays at 2pm

For more information on Healthwalks please visit there website;

https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/east-england/watford-and-three-rivers-health-walks

Show on map

Nomad Kayak Club

Building

Show on map

Outdoor Gym

Fitness Equipment

The outdoor gym offers you the opportunity to have fun exercising whilst enjoying the fresh air.  There are several items of equipment offering a range of exercise opportunities such as toning the upper and lower body and fitness to the heart and lungs.  The gym is free to use and is open all year.

Show on map

Picnic Area

Seating

Show on map

Stocker’s Lake Nature Reserve

Water Habitat

A large lake in the Colne Valley with nationally important numbers of wintering birds, including spectacular goldeneye and smew.

Nature Reserve managed by Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust. For more information click here

Show on map

Water Life

Water Habitat

There is a whole world of plants and animals that live and feed under the water.  Pike, for example, inhabit lakes and slow flowing rivers and canals.  Young fish often lie close to the surface amongst plants whilst adults lurk in deep water, typically hidden in vegetation waiting to ambush their prey such as young fish and frogs.

Show on map

Water Life

Wildlife

Great diving beetles can sometimes be seen �collecting� air at the surface of the water which is then stored under their wing cases.  These beetles are around 3cm  in length and are voracious predators eating anything that comes their way, even tadpoles and small fish.

Show on map

Wet Woodland

Woodland

The relic area of wet woodland (also known as carr) is important as it is locally and nationally rare, in fact there are probably no more than 70,000 hectares across the whole of the UK.  Typical tree species you will find are willow, alder and birch.  Wet woodland is rich in wildlife, especially insects.  Many bat and bird species also make wet woodland their home or use it as valuable hunting ground.  Wet woodland can look a little untidy but it is part of the natural regeneration process � as a willow limb falls to the ground, for example, it will take root and begin to grow in to a new tree.

Show on map