Paxton Pits Nature Reserve remains open. The Visitor Centre and toilets are open 11am – 3pm most days except Fridays. We cannot guarantee we will be open every day as it is dependent on volunteer availability. You are welcome to telephone the Visitor Centre on 01480 406795 to get up to date opening hours.
In the Visitor Centre pre-packed snacks, drinks and ice creams are available. It is also possible to purchase bird food and bird feeders. You will see a new screen at the counter and a one-way system in the Visitor Centre with the entrance to the building being on the opposite side of the centre to the toilets. Please wear a mask in the Visitor Centre and remember to stay 2 meters away from staff and other members of the public.
Paxton Pits Nature Reserve covers 77 hectares of lakes, meadow, grassland, scrub and woodland where you can enjoy a wealth of wildlife all year round. The reserve is famous for its nightingales and cormorants and is home to a wide variety of other birds, insects, mammals and flora. Whether you are painting the scenery with watercolours, bird watching or going for a walk, we hope you enjoy your visit.
Since 2018 Paxton Pits Nature Reserve has held the Green Flag Award, which recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces in the country.
The reserve is open to visitors at all times. The Visitor Centre has re-opened and from August we hope to be open every day except Fridays from 11am to 3pm, subject to volunteer availability. You are welcome to contact the Visitor Centre on 01480 406795 to check if we are open.
The reserve is also home to an Environmental Education Centre, which is managed by the local Wildlife Trust. The Friends of Paxton Pits support the reserve by organising events and activities to raise funds to improve the reserve for people and wildlife.
Browse the Activities and Facilities pages to see all the reserve has to offer, or visit the Paxton Pits website.
See our leaflet and map [PDF, size unavailable] for directions on how to find us.