Introducing the Patch - Main Pits - Views From An Urban Lake

The Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve in Milton Keynes, also known as Manor Farm, has two sets of pits the Stilt Pits and the Main pits. The main pits are sat directly below the old farm buildings and cattle fields and are the largest area of the nature reserve.

They contain two hides, the Farm hide (the centrally located, below the farm buildings, largest hide of the nature reserve) and the Iron Trunk hide (found in the Western corner).

For much of the year it is one large lake complex with a large central island, but when water levels are low (summer and Autumn) the area separates into smaller patches of water, surrounded by muddy islands. A reed bed has been planted just to the right of the farm hide, but is very much in its early days still.

Introducing the Patch – Main Pits

The main pits of the floodplain forest nature reserve (one of Milton Keynes top birding spots) have produced some great birds so far including Great White Egret (twice), Pectoral Sandpiper, regular Garganey and Pintail and plenty of other waders. Redshank, Oysteratcher Little Ringed Plover and Common Tern all breed, or attempt to breed each summer.

Great White Egret

The surrounding land is scrubby trees and is great for passerines and insects. Plenty of Dragonflies and butterflies can be seen, including Essex Skipper. Little Owls are often found around the Farm Hide. And Peregrine regularly hunt through the winter teal flocks.