Introducing the Patch – Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge was built around the start of the 21st century (as far as I remember it was finished a bit later than originally scheduled) and links up national Cycle route 6 as it crosses the river Ouse, it’s not a remarkable bridge in any way, all concrete and iron, but the area around it is an interesting part of the patch. And I use this name to describe it for ease.
The area itself covers a cabbage field, as it reaches the railway line and eventually the Viaduct at Haversham, a rough set aside field which is part of the camp site (and is only for campers), the River Ouse itself, a stand of (I think) Poplars and the rough surround of the Eastern lakes.
Introducing the Patch – Millennium Bridge
I have often stood in this area looking out over the lakes, scanning through the flocks of Gulls and Ducks, while in front of me (and over the river in the set aside) Reed Buntings, Dunnock, Goldfinch and over the 2015/16 winter a pair of Stonechat.
I have watched, Swans swimming the Osue, along with Kingfisher, Little Egret and even the odd Goosander (as pictured above) all as they use the waterway.
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| Stonechat |
Many years ago there used to be a number of Yellowhammer would congregate on the overhead wires here as well, sadly their demise locally has echoed that of the rest of the country so this no longer occurs.
The long grass around here is also great for damselflies in the summer months, with swarms of Common and Azure Blues often kicked up as you walk. Butterflies and Grasshoppers also love the rough area.
Introducing the Patch – Millennium Bridge Map
Other Photos
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| Wren |
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| Pied Wagtail on the fence |
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| Common Darter |
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| Grasshopper sp. |
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| Small Tortoiseshell butterfly |
For more in the series see my Introducing The Patch page.
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2 Comments
Robert Lunt
found this through Google looking for best place to see owls in MK, I would like to say thanks for the time you have put in on a very informative blog, much enjoyed. Thanks,,, RobL
Ashley Beolens
Thank you, Glad you like it. I would say the most reliable Little Owl, locally, is the one at the Floodplain Forest that usually occupies the large Oak below the Farm Buildings (offices). There used to be a good Tawny Owl roost spot the other side of the Haversham Road but,sadly, it has been cut down (against the parks trust wishes). Not sure of any more for them although the ancient woods do hold them, they are hard to see. And Barn Owl is probably easiest on a dusk visit to Linford Lakes (permit only), they do occur elsewhere (and at the FPF) but are not as reliable as the Linford birds.