[1] The Mere lies within the borough of Stafford in Staffordshire, England, some 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) east[1] of the market town of Newport, Shropshire.

Aqualate Mere is an example of an esker system (rare in the Midlands) formed by glacial meltwaters during the late Devensian glaciation.

[2] The depression in which the Mere lies, thought to be a kettle hole,[3] and the surrounding higher ground which comprises glacial sand and gravel deposits were all formed at the same time.

Mammals found on the NNR include polecat, water vole and harvest mouse, together with bats such as pipistrelle, Daubenton's,[1] Natterer's, Brandt's and whiskered.

[5] The NNR is notified in part for its plants and vegetation,[6] particularly its extensive wet meadows which are derived from ancient peat bogs.