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Tring Reservoirs (Wilstone)

View over Wilstone ReservoirWilstone Reservoir is an artificial water-body fed by natural springs and surrounded by ancient marshes, reedswamp and willow carr.

Wilstone Reservoir is one of the four Tring Reservoirs, owned by British Waterways. Wilstone is managed by HMWT in conjunction with the Friends of Tring Reservoirs. Built in 1802, the reservoir supplies water to the Wendover arm of the Grand Union Canal. It is up to 18 feet deep and has a capacity of 240 million gallons.

The reservoir was made famous by the first nesting in this country of black-necked grebes in 1918 and of little ringed plovers in 1938.

Wilstone is one of the most famous birding spots in southern England. A walk round the reservoir's edges gives good views, and there's always a surprise in store, whether it's the impressive summer duck moult, rare passage migrants or the superb wintering water birds.

Surrounded by one of Hertfordshire's largest reedbeds and set in the lovely Chilterns countryside, Wilstone is a very special place. The other three Tring Reservoirs (Little Tring, Startops and Marsworth) are all nearby and also have footpaths and viewing areas.

Summer

During late summer and early autumn many migrant birds pass through the reservoirs so it is an exciting time to come and visit. Black terns were seen on 15/8 at Startops End Reservoir and there are still common terns present. If the water levels drop at the reservoirs this can attract waders down to feed on the exposed mud and many different species can then be seen. Search the edge of the water for common sandpipers and species such as redshank and the area infront of the hide regularly attracts snipe and lapwing.

Towards the end of August a black necked grebe appeared at Wilstone. This year spotted flycatchers have bred on the reserve and have provided many visitors good views of this sadly declining species.

Spotted flycatcher.JPG

Swallows, martins and swifts can often be seen feeding over the water and if there is bad weather huge numbers can be seen flying low over the reservoirs as they ride out the wind and rain. Hobbies can also be seen at this time of year, especially over the trees in the centre of Wilstone or by sitting in the hide towards dusk and watching them hunt insects.

Earlier in the year (w/c 21/5 ) a savi's warbler was singing from the reedbed at Wilstone. It was quite hard to hear amongst the reed and sedge warblers but was a very exciting find on the reserve.

Winter Management update - Winter 11/12

This year we carried out lots of scrub removal from the reedbeds at both Wilstone and Marsworth Reservoirs. This will benefit the wetland birds as eventualy the scrub would lead to the reedbeds drying up. Two ponds were also dug at the edge of each reedbed, providing foraging areas for birds but also benefitting amphibians and invertebrates such as damselflies and dragonflies.

Wilstone view in August

Spring brings passage and summer migrants. Breeding duck include Gadwall and Shoveler, and the reserve has one of the county's three regular heronries. Flowering plants include celery-leaved and goldilocks buttercups.

The summer moult flocks of Tufted Duck and Pochard are of national importance.

Autumn passage again brings terns, gulls and other vagrants.

In winter waterbirds include nationally important levels of Shoveler as well as Teal and Wigeon. The nightly gull roost can be in excess of 20,000 birds, and corn buntings roost in the reedbed.

How to Get Here

Location

Near Tring

Directions

For Startop's End, Marsworth, and Tringford Reservoirs leave the A41 signposted for Tring/Berkhamsted, take the third exit at the mini roundabout then the second exit at the big roundabout onto the B4635 London Road. Pass Tesco and at the next roundabout turn right onto B486 Brook Street. Carry straight on over next roundabout onto Tring Ford Road. Stay on this road (you go over a bridge) until you reach another roundabout. Take the third exit onto the B489 Lower Icknield Way: car park is on the right. For Wilstone follow these directions to roundabout with B489 then turn left to join the Lower Icknield Way. Follow the road for about 1 mile and the car park is just past the farm shop on the left.

Public Transport Links

Bus: Tringford (164,61) about 10 minute walk. Rail: Tring 3.5 miles.

Walking Links

Grand Union Canal Towpath, Tring Reservoir and Canal walks: www.chilternsaonb.org, College Lake Wildlife Centre, Herts Recreational Cycle routes 5 & 6 - start from Tring railway station.

Map Reference

Wilstone car park: SP 904 134, Startop's End car park: SP 918 140

Visitor Guide

Size

97.9 hectares (242 acres).

Access to site

Wilstone is reached via steep steps from car park. Alternatively, park in the opposite corner (near the cemetery on Little Tring Road) and them walk the flat track to reach the reservoir.

Access around site

Muddy paths and steep slopes in places. Benches and viewing screens at Startop's End, Tringford.

Walking time

1/2 - 1 day. Wilstone hide is 15 Minutes from car park. Wilstone circular walk: 1-2 hours. Less for other reservoirs.

Advice on what to wear/bring

The high banks of the reservoir are often exposed to cold winds - please wear warm clothing. Wellingtons are advised during autumn and winter.

Map of site (if available)