Top 20 Lakes around Greasley
Best lakes around Greasley offer a blend of natural beauty and historical significance within Nottinghamshire. The area features notable bodies of water like Moorgreen Reservoir, recognized for its fishing opportunities and scenic surroundings. Greasley's landscape includes woodlands, rolling farmland, and sites with connections to local heritage. These diverse aquatic environments provide opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
Best lakes around Greasley
- The most popular lakes is Mapperley Reservoir, a lake that is a peaceful body of water surrounded by bluebell woodlands and rolling farmland. It is a large freshwater lake spanning 17-18 acres and includes a 2-acre nature reserve.
- Another must-see spot is Highfields Lake, University Park, a lake that was re-modelled from a fishing pond and small boating lake. It offers a gentle walk within the city and features a lakeside cafe and arts centre.
- Visitors also love Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve, a lake that is the largest area of floodplain and grassland in the Erewash Valley. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including water voles, various birds, and amphibians.
- Greasley is known for its reservoirs, nature reserves, and park lakes. These offer diverse experiences, from wildlife spotting to historical walks.
- The lakes around Greasley are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 170 upvotes and 50 photos shared.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Mapperley Reservoir
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Highfields Lake, University Park
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The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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Fountain Dale Ponds
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Interestingly, Sir Walter Scott wrote his famous novel Ivanhoe here. The novel is partly to thank for the modern perception of many of the principal characters of Robin Hood folklore, including the Prince of Thieves himself.
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Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve
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Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve
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Lots of little wooden jetties to sit and fish or bird/wildlife watch or just enjoy nature at many points all around the ponds. Can cross over ponds via bridge
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A lovely place for a gentle cycle or stroll. It's a popular spot!
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It straddles the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire county boundaries and is jointly owned by the two county Wildlife Trusts. In spring and summer the reserve's ponds and the wet sections of the canal are a refuge for grass snakes, amphibians and dragonflies. Butterflies and many other insects breed and feed on the wild flowers growing in the grassland. The meadows are best known for their birds. In spring lapwings can be seen performing their impressive aerial displays, while early mornings may offer the best chance of hearing the strange 'drumming' call of breeding snipe. More common breeding birds include the reed buntings with their distinctive black and white heads, and sedge warblers, more camouflaged but twice as noisy in declaring their presence. In spring and autumn the breeding birds are joined by waders, wildfowl and even birds of prey like the hen harrier. Many wildfowl stay for the winter, including a small flock of wigeon, numerous teal and a range of other species.
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Djanogly Gallery in the Lakeside Arts Centre
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Erewash Nature Reserve is the largest area of floodplain and grassland in the Erewash Valley. It's managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Look out for water voles and water birds.
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The Cotes Parkland was sold off in small plots during the nineteenth century when the area was being mined for coal and ironstone. Three of the ponds were constructed during the nineteenth century as a result of mining operations, but it is thought that pond 3 is considerably older. In 1942 the area was re-landscaped for public use by Italian prisoners of war and subsequently became very popular for walking and picnicking. The creation of Cotes Park Industrial Estate in the 1970s has isolated the ponds within an industrial and residential landscape. They fell into disuse and decay and suffered from pollution. In the late 1980’s the borough council improved the ponds, which encouraged angling, walking and horse riding, there is an active friends group who have raised funds in partnership with Palmer Morewood Angling Club to install new paths and fishing pegs, the Borough Council have also improved the infrastructure and work with the Environment Agency to combat pollution.
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Highfields Park was part of an estate built and landscaped in the late 18th and early 19th century. In 1920 Sir J Boot bought the estate and used it as the site of the East Midlands University (now Nottingham University). Highfileds House became part of the university and is currently used as a staff annexe. The landscape was re-modelled to suit the setting, with the joining of the fishing pond and small boating lake to become the larger lake we see today. The public can walk around Highfields Park. The circuit of the lake is a nice, gentle walk within the city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I expect to see around Greasley's lakes?
The lakes around Greasley offer a variety of natural beauty, from the bluebell woodlands and rolling farmland surrounding Mapperley Reservoir to the extensive floodplain and grassland at Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve. You'll find diverse aquatic environments, dense woodlands, and opportunities for wildlife observation, including various birds, water voles, and amphibians.
Are there good opportunities for birdwatching near Greasley's lakes?
Yes, several lakes are excellent for birdwatching. Mapperley Reservoir is known for coot, moorhen, mallard, kingfisher, chiffchaffs, willow warblers, and blackcaps. Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve is particularly noted for its birds, including lapwings, snipe, reed buntings, sedge warblers, and various wildfowl and waders in spring and autumn. Fountain Dale Ponds also attracts a lot of waterfowl.
What makes Moorgreen Reservoir a notable place to visit?
Moorgreen Reservoir is primarily recognized for its exceptional carp fishing, considered one of the top waters in Nottinghamshire. Beyond fishing, it offers picturesque surroundings with sloping fields and dense woodland, integrated into several scenic walking routes like the 'Moorgreen Reservoir Loop'. It also holds historical significance, having been constructed to supply the Nottingham Canal and having connections to the author D.H. Lawrence.
Are there any historical sites or connections near the lakes?
Yes, the area is rich in history. Highfields Lake, University Park, was part of an estate landscaped in the late 18th century. Fountain Dale Ponds is legendary as the meeting place of Robin Hood and Friar Tuck, and Sir Walter Scott wrote parts of his novel Ivanhoe here. Moorgreen Reservoir itself has historical roots, and the wider Greasley area was historically part of the Greasley Castle estate.
Can I go fishing at the lakes around Greasley?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Moorgreen Reservoir is particularly renowned for its carp fishing, with over 40 pegs and a substantial population of large fish. Mapperley Reservoir is also a large freshwater lake that is a nice place to fish throughout the year. Additionally, Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve has large fishing ponds with jetties.
Are there family-friendly lakes for a day out?
Absolutely. Many lakes are suitable for families. Mapperley Reservoir, Highfields Lake, University Park, Fountain Dale Ponds, Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve, and Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve are all categorized as family-friendly, offering gentle walks, wildlife spotting, and peaceful environments.
What outdoor activities can I do near Greasley's lakes?
The area around Greasley's lakes is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the 'Moorgreen Reservoir Trail' or the 'Beech Wood Path'. For cycling, there are options for gravel biking and road cycling, including routes that pass by Moorgreen Reservoir. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Greasley, Gravel biking around Greasley, and Road Cycling Routes around Greasley guides.
Are there cafes or facilities near the lakes?
Yes, Highfields Lake, University Park, offers a lakeside cafe and arts centre, providing a perfect spot for a coffee with a view. Moorgreen Reservoir also provides amenities for anglers, including a shower and toilet block with a microwave, kettle, and running water.
Are there any lakes with good viewpoints?
Yes, Highfields Lake, University Park, is noted for its scenic views, especially from its lakeside cafe. Pennytown Ponds Local Nature Reserve also offers various points around the ponds to sit and enjoy nature.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Greasley?
Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful and scenic environments, the opportunities for wildlife spotting, and the well-maintained walking paths. The blend of natural beauty with historical connections, such as those at Fountain Dale Ponds, also adds to the appeal. The diverse experiences, from fishing at Moorgreen Reservoir to gentle strolls at Highfields Lake, are highly valued.
Are there accessible walking options around the lakes?
While specific accessibility details vary, Highfields Lake, University Park, offers a 'nice, gentle walk' around its circuit, which may be suitable for a wider range of visitors. Many of the walking routes around Moorgreen Reservoir are also generally considered accessible for leisurely strolls.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes?
Most outdoor areas around Greasley's lakes are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors. It's always recommended to check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs, particularly in nature reserves like Erewash Meadows Nature Reserve, to protect sensitive habitats.
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