The BTO’s Nunnery Lakes Reserve is a County Wildlife Site which lies to the south of Thetford between the Rivers Thet and Little Ouse. It follows a series of lakes created by old gravel workings, and contains a rich variety of Breckland habitats within a relatively small area. These include dry, sandy heathland, wet woodland and flood meadow, which are home to a remarkable range of resident and seasonal wildlife.

Around sixty species of birds breed here and many more overwinter or pass through. Notable species include Water Rail, Curlew, Barn Owl and Kingfisher. There are Water Vole, Otter, Grass Snake, Common Lizard and a wide variety of butterflies and dragonflies. Several scarce Breckland plants occur here, including Tower Mustard and Mossy Stonecrop. The Nunnery Lakes Discovery Trail is a series of interpretation panels to guide you around the lakes, and a leaflet is available from BTO reception during office hours, or for download – Reserve Discovery Trail Leaflet. You can also