Overview
The Wetlands Nature Reserve is a part of the Millennium Country Park. It includes a lake known as The Pillinge and an extensive network of reedbeds, which hold a number of smaller areas of open water and meadows. There is a surfaced, circular route around the wetlands area and four hides, including a tower hide, which provides panoramic views across the wetlands.
Bittern – Steve BlainAccess
The Forest Centre has a café and toilets. Check the white-board, which can be found to the left of the reception desk in the centre, for recent sightings. The park, especially the Forest Centre, can get very busy during the weekends and school holidays. Even during these times the wetlands area is generally considerably quieter. By becoming a ‘Friend of the Forest’ you get free parking and free admission to the wetland area.
Parking
Park at Forest Centre pay and display car park at TL004417, accessed from Station Road just outside Marston Moretaine. There’s a small charge to access the wetlands area. The car park is open from 9am daily (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day) and the car park gates are locked at 8pm during the summer and at 5pm for the winter period (check website for latest details About the Millennium Country Park | The Forest of Marston Vale Trust)
Birds
Rarities: Little Bittern, American Wigeon, Spotted Crake, Caspian Tern, White-winged Tern, Red-footed Falcon and Penduline Tit.
At various times of the year, a number of unexpected visitors have turned up on passage.
