Tring Reservoirs Nature Reserve (Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust)

Tring Reservoirs boast a diverse range of wildfowl and birdlife. Originally built to serve the canal system, the reservoirs have become one of the best birdwatching spots in southern England. Comprising of four individual reservoirs; Startops, Marsworth and Tringford reservoirs are all close together but separated by paths and roads and Wilstone Reservoir is a short distance to the west of the other three.

The reservoirs support a wealth of wildlife and birds have a natural stronghold here. During colder months you can find a large number of wintering wildfowl across all four reservoirs, including tufted duck, pochard, teal, gadwall, wigeon and shoveler with occasional goldeneye, goosander and smew. Marsworth Reservoir is a great place to see overwintering bitterns.

There is a heronry on the bank of Wilstone reservoir and if you take a telescope you should be able to catch a glimpse of these usually solitary birds in large numbers.