Right here before us stretches Hilfield Park Reservoir. It is more than just a body of water. It is a haven for wildlife. It is a testament to conservation efforts.
Hilfield Park Reservoir was built in 1953. It sits between Bushey and Elstree in Hertfordshire. Affinity Water owns it. The reservoir became a Local Nature Reserve in 1969. This makes it the oldest LNR in Hertfordshire.
This large reservoir spans 76.3 hectares. That is about 189 acres. It provides a home to various bird species. Hilfield Park Reservoir holds national importance for several species. These include pochards, tufted ducks, and common terns. It is also significant for mallards, shovellers, and teal.
The reservoir’s edges feature marshy areas. These areas support many breeding birds. Marsh plants thrive here too. Look for reedmace and reed canary grass.
In 2011, something special happened here. An eastern crowned warbler was caught and ringed. This was only the second time this bird had been found in Britain.
Access to Hilfield Park Reservoir is restricted. It is kept locked. Only Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust members can enter.
But do not worry, there is a viewing platform for everyone. You can find it on the east side of the reservoir. It is accessible via Hogg Lane. A public footpath leads to it.
The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust manages Hilfield Park Reservoir. They work hard to protect this valuable space. The reservoir is an important site for wintering ducks. You can find mallard, shoveler, teal, wigeon, and goldeneye here. In summer, look for pochard, tufted duck, and common tern.
The area around Hilfield Park Reservoir is rich in plant life. Great reedmace, reed canary grass, and common reed grow here. Various sedges add to the diversity.
Spring brings blackcaps and black-necked grebes. You might spot an orange-tip butterfly or a reed bunting. Summer reveals brown argus butterflies and common pipistrelle bats. The marbled white butterfly and migrant hawker dragonfly appear. Meadow brown butterflies also flutter about. Autumn and winter bring goldeneye and goosander ducks. You might see pochards and smews too. The wigeon ducks arrive as well.
If you are a Trust member and want to visit, contact them. You can arrange a short-term key loan. Keys can be collected and returned on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
To get here by road, head south on the A41 towards Edgware. Pass over the M1. Turn left into Hilfield Lane after half a mile. The entrance is 200 yards on the right.
Public transport is also an option. Take bus 306 or 823 to Motorway Bridge on A411, Eltree Road. The reserve is one mile away. You can also take a train to Bushey or Elstree and Borehamwood. These stations are three miles from Hilfield Park Reservoir.
Hilfield Park Reservoir stands as a testament. It shows what can be achieved through dedication. It is a place where wildlife thrives.