Both Rutland Water and the Balfour-Browne Club celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2026. Join us for a day of recording at the largest man-made water body in the UK, with over 1000 acres of reserve managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.
Event Details
When: Saturday 20th June 2026, meeting at 9.30 a.m.
Where: Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre, Egleton, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8BT
Grid Reference: SK879071 | What3Words: ///stamp.newsprint.ditching
Coming of Age 1976–2026
Both Rutland Water and the Balfour-Browne Club celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2026. This is a chance to improve the beetle species list on this iconic aquatic reserve. It is surprisingly under-recorded, but recent efforts show it has great potential, especially with finds of Hydrophilus piceus moving westwards, Macroplea mutica at its furthest inland location, and the nationally scarce Bembidion quadripustulatum.
The last Club meeting in the area was in 1985, so this is a long-overdue return.
The Reserve
Rutland Water is the largest man-made water body in the UK, with over 17 miles of shoreline. The reserve covers approximately 1000 acres, managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust (L&RWT). While the site has had great publicity through the Bird Fair, the 8 large lagoons and 30-plus ponds are available to explore with water, mud and vegetation to find plenty of beetles.
For more information and a map of the area, visit: Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust – Rutland Water
What to Expect
It will still be the bird breeding season at this time of year and there will be Schedule 1 waders present such as Avocet and Little-ringed Plover. We will therefore try to minimise disturbance — for example, by dipping and searching on the scrapes but examining trays and specimens away from the edges.
Your Hosts
Your hosts will be Tim Sexton and Beth Fox from the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, and Kev Rowley from ACCT.
Accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation available around Rutland Water, easily accessed online.
Additional Information
This meeting is joint with ColSoc and is in addition to the Club Meeting at Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland in May. If you are planning on attending, please let Kev know using the contact button below.
Get Involved
If you are planning on attending, please contact the event organiser. For general information about the Balfour-Browne Club, use the Facebook link below.