We are lucky in Barrow that we have so many pleasant walks available on our doorstep – the canal and river, across the fields from Fishpool Way towards Seagrave or Walton on the Wolds. But if you are looking for a change this summer why not try the (relatively) new Mountsorrel and Rothley Marshes that are part of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust (who also own and manage Cossington Meadows).

This is previous farmland that hasn’t been sold off for a new housing estate because it forms part of the Soar Valley floodplain. There’s a network of scrapes, pools, meadows and naturally regenerating woodland which have created habitats attracting birds, mammals, reptiles and many wild flowers. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a basking grass snake.

Access is from Rowe Leyes Furlong on the edge of Mountsorrel and the nearest postcode is LE7 7LS. For more information, visit www.lrwt.org.uk/nature-reserves

Karisa Krcmar

Tom Long's Nature Reserve

1.3 miles from Barrow Upon Soar

This wetland haven is worth visiting all year around, but comes alive in the winter, when rafts of ducks, like wigeon and teal, gather on the lakes, and shorteared owls hunt over the meadows.…

Cossington Meadows

2.9 miles from Barrow Upon Soar

Cossington Meadows lies next to the river Soar and is one of LRWT’s star reserves to enjoy a spot of birdwatching and a wander through this diverse wetland. The deep pools attract a whole range of wildfowl, such as gadwall, tufted duck and mallard, and parties of wigeon and teal join in throughout the winter months, as well as wintering geese and swans. This can be great site for spotting a rare bird or two, with rarities in recent years including velvet scoter, glossy ibis and American wigeon.