Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve
A delightful escape into a thriving natural habitat rich in wildlife, diverse landscapes and heritage.
Facilities
About Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve
A perfect escape from city life, Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve was formerly pasture land, quarried in 2007-2014 for sand and gravel. It reopened to the public in 2016 with 2km of footpaths, bird hides and information boards. It has already gained a reputation as one of the best places for bird watching and natural history in Buckinghamshire.
The nature reserve is designed to quickly fill up with floodwater when the River Great Ouse floods. Water enters from the west, flows through the system and flows out downstream. This means sometimes when the water is high, parts of the nature reserve are not accessible. Usually the water drains away within a couple of days. This dynamic water system makes the site even more appealing to wildlife as the wet/dry margins of the lakes attract a great variety of wetland birds in winter and invertebrates in the spring and summer.
If you are visiting during periods of high rainfall, please check this live water level gauge before you set off:
In winter, a diverse range of wildfowl, including Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveller and Mallard, and less common species like Goosander and Pintail, gather on the two main lakes. In spring and early summer, migrating wading birds visit, with Lapwings and Redshank staying to nest. Notable birds include the Cuckoo and several Owl species.
Please dress appropriately when visiting, especially in summer due to insects. Volunteer Rangers are available to answer questions. To protect nesting birds and sensitive wildlife, please keep dogs on a lead while walking through the reserve.
- Little Egrets and Grey Herons fishing throughout the year
- Breeding wader birds in the spring and early summer
- Colourful damselflies and dragonflies on sunny summer days
- Basking and swimming Grass Snakes from the spring through to the autumn
- Wintering ducks from late summer through to spring
- Bats at dusk on warm summer evenings
- Hunting Barn Owls and Little Owls
- Secretive otters, if you're very lucky, all year round!
Click on the + icons below to find out information about visiting the park.
