Summer Leys
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| Summer Leys | |
|---|---|
 The reserve in 2009 | |
 Interactive map of Summer Leys | |
| Type | Local nature reserve |
| Location | Wollaston, Northamptonshire |
| Nearest city | Wellingborough |
| Coordinates | 52°15′49″N 0°42′10″W / 52.2635°N 0.7029°W |
| Area | 50 hectares (120 acres) |
| Operated by | Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire |
| Status | |
Summer Leys is a local nature reserve at Wollaston in the Upper Nene Valley, in Northamptonshire, England. It is owned by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.[1][2]
The reserve, created from former gravel pits, covers just under 50 hectares (120 acres) and is primarily wetland, with some grassland and woodland habitats, and hedges.[2] The grassland is managed by the use of grazing cattle and rare-breed sheep, supported by a grant from the SITA Trust.[3]
The northern perimeter of the reserve is delineated[2] by the trackbed of the former Northampton and Peterborough Railway, closed in 1972.[4]
The reserve has four bird hides and a viewing screen. One of the hides overlooks a feeding station.[2] A car park is available off Hardwater Road.[5]
Designation
The reserve and neighbouring gravel pits, collectively the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits, are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Ramsar wetland of international importance due to their importance for wintering wildfowl.[5][6]
