Groby Pool Leicestershire and Rutland

Site Location Details

Site Details

A medium size lake about 4 miles northwest of Leicester. It has small reed beds, swamp, alder/birch and rocky fringes. There are a number of small woods and coppices nearby. It is a SSSI although it is hardly managed or looked after! Over 150 species have been recorded and this is largely due to a few regular observers. Over 100 species per year is usual. Good gulls have been regular in winter - Iceland, Med., Glaucous, Yellow-legged and Caspian have all been seen, plus annual Kittiwake,(less activity at the local landfill site , as it nears the end of its existence, resulted in a decline of gull numbers in the winter of 2000/01 although 2001/2002 has been better). It is the best site for Mandarins in the county - they are recorded every month (up to 26 have been seen). Reed Warblers breed in some numbers and Water Rail is regularly recorded. The 'edges' of the Pool hold many woodland species including all six tits and three woodpeckers. Redpoll and Siskin are common in winter. Bittern has been seen three times in the last few years! Nine species of raptor have been seen. Over twenty-five herons were fledged on the small island that is in the centre (both in 2000 and 2001). Marsh Harrier, Honey Buzzard and Ring-necked Duck were the highlights of 2000 and the first winter record of Little Egret started off 2002 very well. (2001 was quiet for rarities!!) The site is not good for waders as there is little suitable habitat. The site is owned by Hansons, who own the quarry next to the pool.