A photograph of Virginia Water framed by trees.

Lakes, ponds and wetlands

There are over 130 lakes and ponds across The Windsor Estate, from the largest at Virginia Water, to the small shallow heathland pools in Swinley Forest and Crowthorne Woods.

Some of the lakes have fringing reeds and sedges and the attractive Yellow flag iris, providing habitat and cover for wildlife. Learn more about these important landscapes and how we conserve them.

Diversity of wetland

The wetlands

Virginia Water and Obelisk Pond are set in attractive landscapes and make popular walking routes for visitors to Windsor Great Park. The wildfowl are entertaining, especially in the spring when they have their broods of ducklings, goslings and cygnets.

With such a diversity of wetland habitats many birds are attracted to visit each year. Some come to nest in the spring, whilst other species (especially different types of duck) migrate here for the winter. Some of the smaller ponds support locally important wildlife such as amphibians, and many are popular with naturalists – especially dragonfly enthusiasts.

In addition to the ponds and lakes there are also various streams, valley mires and drainage systems in the Park and Forests. These have different objectives and uses, including fishing and the provision of a sustainable water supply for irrigation.

What is a valley mire?

Valley mires

Valley mires are areas of water-logged deep peat in valley bottoms with characteristic acid wetland plant communities. They are not only found in valley bottoms but also natural basins and old tin workings where peat has accumulated.

Our work in lakes, ponds and wetlands

Our work

Our team’s programme of restoration work aims to keep a healthy and diverse network of ponds. In some cases we remove the leaves and silt that can cause the water to become stagnant. Left alone, some ponds become overgrown with willow bushes and trees as nature tries to turn them into damp woodland
We create new ponds to support even more wildlife and make our populations more resilient. Natural water storage in the habitats, wetlands and soils is one of the ecosystem services provided by The Windsor Estate, and helps in reducing the flood risk to local urban areas during times of heavy rainfall

Explore our habitats and wildlife

Dig deeper into the habitats, the wildlife they support and the work we do to preserve them for the benefit of the nation.

Lakes, ponds and wetlands

Diversity of wetland

The wetlands

What is a valley mire?

Valley mires

Our work in lakes, ponds and wetlands

Our work

Explore our habitats and wildlife

Conservation & Stewardship

Woodland, parkland and wood pasture

Grassland and heathland

Wildlife