Needham Lake
OS Grid ref: TM 093547 (Explorer 211).
Access from B1078 Coddenham Road.
Post code IP6 8NU
Area: 13 hectares
Needham Lake is a popular countryside attraction centred around a flooded gravel pit close to Needham Market. The Lake is home to a variety of wildlife with numerous well-fed ducks around the car park. A walk around the surfaced lakeside path takes around 20 minutes and gives access for visitors wishing to explore further.
There are picnic and play areas with picnic tables dotted around and plenty of grass for games. Play equipment for young children is sited close to the (free) car parks whilst slightly older children can enjoy a climbing boulder and the informal play equipment located around the Lake. There is a small den building area where children can build their own shelters from the materials provided. An Ice Cream kiosk is open during the warmer Summer months and on many weekends. Teas, coffees and cold drinks can also be purchased. Barbecues are permitted in part of Mill Meadow only but must be raised off the ground and not placed on the wooden picnic tables. An ash disposal bin is provided.
There are no litter bins on site except at the ice cream kiosk. We encourage visitors to take their waste home for recycling. Please help to keep the site clean and bring a bag for any left-overs after your picnic.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control. Due to the large numbers of visitors and the plentiful ducks around the lake we encourage dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead when on the surfaced paths. Dogs can run freely in the meadow areas where it is quieter. Dog owners must clean up after their pets anywhere on site. Dog waste bins are located close to car parks and around the lake.
Part of the site is a Local Nature Reserve with wetland areas, meadows and a small woodland. In Summer you will see many species of dragonflies whilst numerous small birds can be spotted amongst the trees. Look out for the nest boxes found throughout the site. Wild flowers are plentiful with pyramidal and bee orchids easily seen from the paths. Keep a look out for information about what to see. Rangers update this every month.
A small toilet block and Information Room is present near the lake where a range of information about the site and surrounding area can be found. Look out for information on events and activities throughout the year. During the school holidays there are regular children’s activities and other events.
Two permanent orienteering courses are present at the Lake. Maps for these can be downloaded below or picked up from the information room on site.
Orienteering Short Course Map Orienteering Long Course Map
Angling permits for the Lake (both day ticket and club membership) are available from Birds Tackle (Tel: 01473 830683) on Station Road, Great Blakenham.