The Nene Wetlands Nature Reserve is a protected area with intern of international importance for wintering birds, and regional importance for wetland and grassland habitats and species. It has the following designations: Special Protection Area (SPA), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Ramsar (wetland of international importance).

Fishing is allowed in the lakes indicated in the map below (Ring Res and Cotton Reel). Fishing is not allowed in the remaining lakes of the nature reserve.