Woburn Park

Overview

Woburn Park is about 3,000 acres in size, enclosed by 11 miles of brick wall. It is a private estate, but a series of public footpaths allows access to many of the birding sites. It is essential to keep to the footpaths; the whole area is covered by park rangers and security officials.

There are several artificial waters, the best for birds being Basin and Shoulder of Mutton Ponds. They are one of the most reliable sites in the county for Goosander, with the peak since the year 2010 of 16, although in most winters counts have been less than ten. Mandarin Ducks are also regular during most months of the year, apart from winter, and recent peaks have been between 35 and 50. Good numbers of Mute Swans (up to 65), Canada Geese (up to 150), Egyptian Geese (up to 25), Mallards (up to 250), Tufted Ducks (up to 100) and Wigeons (up to 175), are encouraged by daily artificial feed being provided. During the winter, reasonable numbers of gulls are present, with up to 700 Black-headed Gulls and 200 Common Gulls. Single Mediterranean Gulls have also occurred with them. It is, however, rather poor for waders, with only very occasional records of Green and Common Sandpipers and Lapwings. Oystercatchers have bred in some years.  

Away from the ponds, the species are typically those that you would expect to find in mature parkland, with the most numerous bird species being Jackdaw. The trees around Upper Drakelow are reliable for Redpolls and Siskins during most winters.

Rarer visitors have included Great White Egret, Bewick’s Swan, Red-crested Pochard, Black-necked Grebe, Yellow-legged Gull, Iceland Gull, Stonechat and Firecrest, with single records of Ferruginous Duck and American Wigeon. During influx years, the Upper Drakelow Pond area has been good for Hawfinch, although there were none there during the influx of 2024.

Parking

Use the main car park in the village, opposite the church. Parking is free.

Birds

Rarities: American Wigeon; Ferruginous Duck.