Sightings and What’s About 

With every season that passes Cosmeston has plenty to offer like, spotting mammals or birds, dragonflies or orchids – no matter what your interest there is always something to be found.     

Every month we carry out a wetland  bird survey at Cosmeston Lakes. The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) is the scheme which monitors non-breeding waterbirds in the UK.

The principal aims of WeBS are to identify population sizes, determine trends in numbers and distribution and to identify important sites for waterbirds.

              January - May 2012 wetland bird survey                                                      Otter

On Monday May 21st an otter was spotted on the west lake.  The otter was seen swimming from the bank near the bridge towards to the island. 

Otter numbers have declined in the past and been lost from many areas primarily due to pollution, habitat loss and hunting. However, today, otter populations are recovering due to protection, conservation work and reintroduction programmes.

Located on the island are two purpose-built otter holts that are in use.  To see pictures and find out more please visit our otter holts page. 

            Swan with 7 cygents 05/05/2012

The first 7 cygnets of the year have appeared at Cosmeston Lakes. The parents are very protective and have so far preferred to remain on the quieter Western lake.

There are plenty of other new arrivals to be spotted, both lakes have mallard ducklings and coot chicks and there are another pair of swans who are nest building on the East lake.  

The Blue Tit chicks in the nest camera box on the visitor centre building are doing well since they hatched out on 10/05/2012. To see still pictures from the camera visit our Nest and Trail Camera page.

Let us know if you spot something rare or interesting on your visit to Cosmeston.

Visit our records submission page.

This PDF map shows the layout of Cosmeston Lakes Country Park