The Upper and Lower Tamar Lakes straddle the Devon and Cornwall border. These two man-made lakes offer many opportunities for bird watchers. Flocks of ducks, such as teal and pochard, can be seen in the winter, and waders use the lakes on spring and autumn migration. The surrounding habitats, which include fringing reed, grassland, ponds and woodland, help to support a range of other birds, with species such as long-tailed tit, kingfishers, treecreepers and reed bunting being common throughout the year. In all, over 200 bird species have been recorded here.
The range of habitats supports many other species too, including otters, dragonflies and butterflies.
Several waymarked walks, some suitable for wheelchairs, will help you explore the lakes and their surrounds. The popular round-lake walk takes approximately one hour. There are visitor and interpretation centres at both lakes and a bird hide at the Lower Tamar Lake.
There is a children’s play area and plenty of space to play games.
By road: The lakes straddle the road between Bradworthy (Devon) and Kilkhampton (Cornwall) near Alfardisworthy. Both lakes have a pay and display car park.
The lakes are managed by the South West Lakes Trust.
Leading south from the Lower Tamar Lake is the Bude Canal aqueduct. Until it closed in 1891, the canal was used to transport calcium-rich sea sand inland for use as a fertiliser. Part of the tow path now forms an excellent walking route of about 5km to the Devon Wildlife Trust’s reserve at Dunsdon.
