Boarstall Duck Decoy

Boarstall Duck Decoy is a specialized site in Buckinghamshire featuring a lake with a series of pipe-cage tunnels extending outward in curved patterns. The system uses narrow channels designed to guide waterfowl into trapping areas without harming them.

Built in the early 1700s, this decoy ranks among only four surviving operational examples remaining in England. The site represents a hunting method that was once common across the British countryside before modern approaches became standard.

The site reflects how rural communities developed methods for managing waterfowl sustainably, with knowledge about bird behavior passed down through families over time.

The site spans around 13 acres of woodland and is accessible by foot, with dogs welcome on leads throughout the grounds. Wear sturdy shoes as the paths to the lake and tunnels can be damp and uneven in places.

Ducks ringed here and released were later spotted in Turkey, helping researchers understand just how far these birds travel during migration. These tracking studies provided early insights into long-distance movement patterns across continents.