SnowDome and Borrowpit Lake
Borrowpit Lake is a peaceful greenspace tucked behind the SnowDome along the River Tame. The lake was originally dug out to extract aggregate during the construction of the nearby ring road, and over the decades it has become an amazing wildlife habitat. The lake and river provide nesting grounds for a healthy population of ducks, geese, swans, coots, herons, and little egrets. Lapwings are also regularly spotted. A 3.7 km loop trail circles the lake with sections running along the River Tame as well. Just south of the lake, the river winds its way into the Tameside Nature Reserve, which adds grassland, scrub, and woodland to the mix. Early mornings are the best time for wildlife photography. The light on the water is soft, the birds are active, and you will mostly have the area to yourself. A small wooden dock sits on the eastern edge of the lake and makes a good foreground element or a quiet spot to sit and wait for the birds to come to you. The lake is open around the clock with parking is available at the SnowDome. (Tamworth, Staffordshire, England)
