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Morning: We will visit College Lake (BBOWT), just 2 miles north of Tring. The flooded chalk quarry is surrounded by marshland and chalk grassland. It’s one of the best places to see water birds in Bucks. Migrants, including Whinchat, seen on previous visits.
Facilities: Visitor centre, 10 hides, toilets, shop, cafe, picnic area.
Distances and accessibility: The circular Wildlife Walk is 2 miles but there are shorter options. Gentle slopes, 90% surfaced paths, gates, benches. Some paths are uneven. Some wheelchair access including to the hides. Two mobility vehicles available.
Parking: Large car free park.
Admission charges: Suggested donation of £5
Public transport: By train: Tring Station is 2 miles. By bus: from Tring Railway Station (Stop A), take the 387 bus towards New Mill, Elizabeth Drive. There is a bus stop opposite the College Lake car park. On foot/bike: follow the Grand Union Canal Walk
Meeting point: 10.15am outside the visitor centre at College Lake, Icknield Way, Bulbourne HP23 5QG. What3Words: broadens.ends.pebbles. Grid reference: SP935 139.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we move a short distance to visit one or more of the Tring Reservoirs (HMWT). Which reservoir(s) will be decided close to our visit depending on construction work at Wilstone Reservoir, 2 miles northwest of Tring. The alternative is Startop’s End and Marsworth Reservoirs one mile west of College Lake.
Expect a variety of water birds and waders including possible early migrants such as Osprey passing through.
Facilities: Hide, no toilets or refreshments at Wilstone reservoir but you can return to College Lake or use the nearby cafes and garden centre. Startop’s End has the Water’s Edge Cafe.
Distances and accessibility: At Wilstone, 1.2 miles to the hide and back if you return the same way. Very steep steps from the car park to the top of the reservoir banks at both venues but then level.
Parking: Free parking at Wilstone. Pay and Display at Startop’s. £3 for 3hrs.
Admission charges: No admission charge
Public transport: Rail: Tring. 2.5 mile walk along the canal or Bus: 164 – Crossroads, Tringford Road. (0.9 miles) for Wilstone Reservoir or 0.4 miles for Startop’s.
Meeting point: 2pm. Finish by 4pm. Venue to be decided close to our visit (keep an eye on our Facebook) but:
EITHER Wilstone Reservoir: postcode: HP23 4NW. What3Words: seaweed.dragonfly.automate. Grid reference: SP904 134
OR Startop’s Reservoir: postcode: HP23 4LJ. What3Words: member.inserting.cosmic. Grid reference SP919 141
Image: Whinchat Bryan Thomas (rspb-images.com)
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
College Lake Nature Reserve, College Lake Nature Reserve, Upper Icknield Way, Tring, HP23 5, United Kingdom, Berkhamsted
