Wetlands

The 250 hectare Country Park offers an exciting day out for the whole family and a tremendous countryside experience.

The wetland reserve has been designed to include a range of habitats that will attract interesting and rare wildlife, particularly birds such as the bittern, lapwing, golden plover and redshank. Also look out for hares and other animals. A series of walks take you to different parts of the site. The Pillinge Lake, reedbeds and other ponds all support different birds that can be viewed from secretly located hides, so as not to disturb them.  This area is peaceful because unlike the rest of the site is just for wildlife watching.  Although access for bicycles, horses and dogs is welcome on the rest of the site the wetlands is an area for quiet reflection.  Because it contains rare and important habitats it takes a different kind of maintenance, there is a small charge for entry (£2.50 for adults and £1.75 for Concessions).  If you join as a friend of the Forest of Marston Vale then as one of the benefits, entry to the wetlands is free for as many visits as you like during the year.