Hilfield Park Reservoir LNR, Local nature reserve near Bushey, England
Hilfield Park Reservoir is a local nature reserve near Bushey featuring open water and reed beds that provide habitat for many bird species and wetland plants. The site covers about 76 hectares and is managed by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust to protect its natural environment.
The reservoir was built in 1953 between Bushey and Elstree as a water storage facility for the region. It gained designation as the first Local Nature Reserve in Hertfordshire in 1969, marking its shift toward wildlife protection.
The reserve draws bird watchers and nature enthusiasts who come to observe and study local wildlife through the activities organized by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Visitors use the space to learn about native bird species and wetland plants that thrive here.
Access to the site requires a key obtained through membership with the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, which limits visitor numbers. It is worth planning ahead to understand access requirements before visiting, as the reserve is not freely open to the public.
In 2011 an eastern crowned warbler was spotted here, only the second time this bird had been recorded in Britain, making it a significant moment for bird watchers. This rare sighting put the reserve on the map for birding enthusiasts across Europe.
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