The Nature Trail at North Lakes

One of our highest priorities is to blend the park with the natural environment. We have tried to encourage the wildlife by managing the trees and hedges, maintaining the meadow and adding the fishing lake. Our success can be measured by the great variety of flora and fauna you can enjoy discovering on your visits here.

To enjoy North Lakes to the full you need to take the time to explore over 30 acres of Lakeland countryside. Walking to the far end of the Park you will find the fishing lake which is a great place to start your trail of discovery.

Misty Tarn.
The lake, called Misty Tarn, covers a little over one acre. It was created in 2001 to encourage a greater diversity of wildlife, as well as provide fishing for our guests. You will find seating, picnic tables and fishing points dotted around the banks.

The lake is well stocked with a mix of fish, including Carp, Roach, Bream, Perch and Tench. You may also be lucky enough to see one of the wild Trout coming up the fish ladder as it migrates up the stream. For details of the fishing, click here.

If you're not a fisherman you can just relax and watch the swallows swoop for water. You might also see the moorhen and it's young family swimming. And in the evening bats circle low over the water catching insects.

Please Note: Misty Tarn is deep in places so all children MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times.

The Meadow.
Just a short walk up the hill from Misty Tarn you will find the Meadow. Here you step back in time to a traditional wild flower meadow bursting with life.

Take a moment to lay among the flowers and savour the rich perfumes. And if you come at the right time the scent of new-mown hay is irrisistable. You can become a botanist and see how many species of flowers and grasses you can find.

While you're lying there, watch the buzzards circling overhead or listen to the delicate song of the skylarks. You might catch a glimpse of the rabbits, including one with pure white markings. Local barn owls also hunt voles over the meadow, particularly when they have young to feed. This is a magnificent sight.

Along one side of the meadow you will see the pine trees. This is your next destination on the trail...

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