Waveney Valley Lakes - Park information

Waveney Valley Lakes lie on the Norfolk / Suffolk border, 20 miles due south of Norwich. The village of Wortwell lies approximately 3 miles from Harleston and 5 miles from Bungay, just off the main A143.

From the South either:

Take M25 to M11 North
Take A11 towards Norwich
Pick up A14 to Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich
At Bury turn off onto A143 towards Diss and Gt Yarmouth

Or:

Take A12 to Ipswich
Then A14 North for 8 miles
Turn onto A140 towards Diss and Norwich
At first roundabout, before Diss turn right onto A143

Then:

10 miles past Diss at second ‘Harleston’ Roundabout turn right sign posted Redenhall & Wortwell
After 1 mile pass Bell pub and garage on right
At caravan sign on left, turn right into driveway
Pass through brick pillars to shop reception

History

The lakes at Waveney were excavated in 1942 in order to provide the materials for the construction of many local airfields for the Allied Air Forces war effort.

The fishery itself owes it’s origins to the 1960’s when thousands of carp, tench and bream were introduced into the lakes.

Waveney Valley Lakes was soon recognised as something very special, and many well-known anglers made the complex famous by publicising captures of very big fish. Many of todays top carp anglers have fished Waveney extensively and have caught several of the named fish which are still in evidence today. Full information on the fabulous fishing available is in Fishing Infomation section.

Walks

Over 10 miles of circular footpath walks have been designated by the Wortwell Parish Council. Pick up the "Wortwell Walks" leaflet in our reception which includes a map and details of 3 walks, all with different aspects and interests. There are numerous species of birds to see including lapwing, pheasant, partridge, kestrel, sparrowhawk, barn owl, snipe and swans. Along the marsh and river mallard, moorhen, heron and even kingfisher are commonly seen and the marsh plants include orchids.

Wildlife

As a mature fishery, Waveney is a natural haven for wildlife. Resident pairs of kingfishers thrive on site and we are host to a galaxy of bird life including all three types of woodpeckers, treecreepers, owls, herons, grebes and 3 species of bats. Visitors to the site have included, red kite, buzzard, sparrow hawk and goldcrest. In September 2008 anglers here were treated to the sight of an osprey feeding on several occasions.

The Waveney Hens

Due to the demand for our "Free Range Eggs" we have increased the number of hens to 12. They are all beautiful Bovan Goldline Chickens.

Marsh Walk Owl Box

In conjunction with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust we have now sited our third owl box in the centre of the circular Marsh Walk. Although the Barn Owls are seen there regularly, it seems the pigeons have moved in straight away, but i have it on good authority that the owls will soon evict them if they decide to use it.

Heartsmere Owl Box

We have been more successful this year with this box, the Suffolk Wildlife Trust have reported on inspection that we have a breeding pair of Tawney Owls in there, makes a change from the Stock Doves that usually nest there.