Maer Lake

Description

Located on the outskirts of the coastal town of Bude, Maer Lake is an area of approximately 10 hectares (22 acres) of freshwater wetland, fed by small streams from the catchment area of Ploughill and Maer. It is an important site for passage and overwintering wildfowl and waders and is a listed County Wildlife Site. It often holds good numbers of birds and there is usually something of interest.

Historically it was an area of wet grazing marsh, shared by local farmers and mostly flooded following periods of prolonged rainfall and during the winter. It was purchased in 1993 by Cornwall Birds (CBWPS) and Cornwall Wildlife Trust who jointly manage the site, controlling water levels by means of a sluice to ensure permanent shallow flooding and arranging summer grazing. Together with wet ditches, hedges and scattered trees and bushes it provides a varied habitat, supporting Water Vole and plants such as Yellow Flag Iris, Marsh Marigold, Bog-bean and Pink Water Speedwell.

The best seasons for birding are winter, spring and autumn.

Access

The site is accessible by foot, bicycle, car or public transport. Grid Ref SS 208075. Co-ordinates 50 50 21N, 04 32 47W

The A39 runs North East to South West just to the East of the town of Bude. On the southern edge of the town of Stratton leave the A39 onto the B3072 (Stratton Road) to Bude. In Bude take a right turn into Bencoolen Road. Just before the bridge turn right into The Strand, continue on this road eventually becoming Belle Vue and then Golf House Road. Take the next left into Downs View that takes you to Crooklets car park (fee payable). Park here and follow map to the lake, a five-minute level walk.

The following bus services pass nearby Bus 128, 219, 6, 76, 217.

Views can be obtained from Maer Lane, where a telescope is useful, but watch for cars as there is no footpath.

The hide can be accessed through the wooden gate (key code C1947X), down the steps and following the waymarkers around the field edge, (ponies may be present) over the stile and across the bridge. This path may be muddy. The hide door code is the same as the gate. Please note that there is no access beyond the hide. Cattle may be grazing in summer. No dogs allowed.

Nearby

Bude Marsh and Canal and Davidstow Airfield are worth checking if in the area.

Spring and autumn  

Spring and autumn waders include Green and Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, Greenshank, Ringed and Little Ringed Plover. Garganey are frequent and Marsh Harrier’s sometimes pass through.

Winter

In winter Wigeon, Teal, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Snipe and Water Rail may be seen as well as gulls. Bewick’s and Whooper Swans are occasional visitors and Peregrine and Merlin may hunt over the area.

Rarities

Maer Lake has attracted a long list of rarities; Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, American Golden Plover, Sociable Plover, Temminck’s Stint, Semi-palmated Sandpiper, Wilson’s and Red-necked Phalarope, White-winged Black Tern and Citrine Wagtail have been recorded.