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Babbs Mill Lake sits in the Babbs Mill Local Nature Reserve and has a designated cycle path running right the way through. There are benches dotted around and ample open space for a sit-down and picnic. Make sure to say hi to the local wildlife who you'll spot milling around the lake.

Lea Marston is a trio of purification lakes, originally formed by the Environment Agency through the reclamation of former gravel extraction sites. Established in 1980, these lakes played a vital role in cleansing pollutants from the River Tame. While no longer serving their initial purpose, these lakes hold regional importance as sanctuaries for wintering wildfowl populations. Visitors can explore the area, enjoying birdwatching from a designated bird hide and leisurely walks encircling the lakes.

Nestled on the outskirts of Solihull, Elmdon Nature Park shines as a splendid Green Flag Park and Local Nature Reserve. Designed with families in mind, it invites joy, tranquillity, and exploration amid its expansive and open landscapes.

A picturesque lake in the middle of the Kingfisher Local Nature Reserve. Fed by the River Cole with an array of wildlife.

Interesting place helpful guy on the desk

A Warwickshire Council managed country park covering over 600 acres and including 15 different lakes. The park was created by flooding old gravel pits.

Shustoke Reservoir is managed by Severn Trent. The reservoir was completed in 1884 to provide water for Birmingham. Nowerdays the reservoir supplies Nuneaton and the surrounding area.

The history of Shustoke Why were the reservoirs created here?  In 1870 the Industrial Revolution was in full swing, as was the birthrate and the need for clean water was becoming more pressing.  The Birmingham Water Works Company therefore applied to Parliament for  permission for water to be taken from the Rivers Bourne and Blythe, whose gathering grounds in rural areas to the East of Birmingham were declared to be away from pollution, and to impound the water from the Bourne in a reservoir which was built at Shustoke.   A pumping station, filter beds and another small reservoir was also constructed at Whitacre. What was here before? Before the reservoir was built, the land was occupied by Whitacre Lodge which was part of the Hams Estate. This was sold by Lord Norton in 1879, for the building of Shustoke Reservoir.       How long did it take to build the Reservoirs? The time-scale granted for this work was 10 years and although most of the work at Whitacre was completed in the time scheduled, an extension of five years was applied for in 1879 as the reservoir at Shustoke had hardly been started; the eventual completion was around 1884.         What is the Reservoirs role in the water supply network? When the reservoirs were built they were to supply water to the nearby Whitacre Treatment Works, which was to provide 28 million litres of water daily to Birmingham. As the city grew this soon became inadequate and with the completion of the Elan Valley scheme in 1904 Whitacre was relegated to standby duty. In 1908 Whitacre was recommissioned to supply water to Coventry to supplement the local borehole supplies. In the 1050’s Whitacre also started to supply Nuneaton and now about 10% of the water from Shustoke supplies Coventry with the rest going to Nuneaton and the surrounding districts of Bedworth and Atherstone. Where does the water come from? The water is gravity fed by the nearby River Bourne which runs along the north of the two reservoirs. How deep and big are the reservoirs? The reservoirs consist of a settling pool of 7.8 acres and a storage reservoir of 92 acres.  Combined they have a capacity of around 460,000,000  gallons.

Currently closed at the minute.

Kingsbury Water Park has 15 lakes situated in over 600 acres of country park. Stroll along the surfaced paths, explore hidden corners, spot birds and wildlife, hire a bike, join an organised event or host your own event. Whatever your idea of a countryside visit is, you will find it at Kingsbury. The Information Centre at Kingsbury Water Park is where you can get friendly advice and information to enable you to enjoy your day out in the country park to the full. They stock information leaflets on all the activities taking place in the parks, as well as maps to help you find your way around. The Gift Shops stock a wonderful selection of countryside related gifts, toys, souvenirs and books. They are expanding their range of sustainable or locally sourced items, particularly from local crafts people.

Lea Marston is a series of three purification lakes created by the Environment Agency (EA) from former gravel extraction pits. They were opened in 1980 and helped remove pollutants from the River Tame. As the River Tame flows in to and through the wide, shallow lakes, the water flow slows, allowing pollutants to settle. These could then be removed by dredging. At it’s height, the dredging was a constant operation, removing around 15,000 tonnes of contaminated sludge per year. Following creation of the lakes, the water quality of the River Tame downstream began to improve rapidly. Improvements in water treatment at Minworth Sewage Works, and the widespread decline in heavy industry in Birmingham, mean the lakes are no longer required for water purification. The EA is currently considering their longterm future, for people and wildlife. There is a similar lake purification system on the River Rhur in Germany. The lakes are of regional significance for winter wildfowl populations. There is a bird hide and walks around the lakes.

Good place to stop and take a seat and a cuppa, wether walking or cycling.