Tring Reservoirs, Nature reserve in Hertfordshire, England
Tring Reservoirs consist of four connected water bodies - Startops End, Marsworth, Tringford, and Wilstone - that form an expansive system near the Grand Union Canal. The site features walking paths that connect all the reservoirs and allow visitors to explore the different water areas.
Construction of these reservoirs began in the early 1800s to support water levels for canal navigation along the Grand Union Canal. The four basins were built over several years and together formed an interconnected system designed to manage water flow for shipping.
The reservoirs draw birdwatchers and nature lovers who come to observe migrating species and local wildlife throughout the seasons. The water bodies have become a gathering place for those interested in watching birds and understanding the natural rhythms of water-based ecosystems.
Two parking areas provide access to the site: a free lot at Wilstone and a pay-and-display facility at Startop's End, with walking paths connecting all the water bodies. The trails vary in length and difficulty, allowing visitors to choose walks suited to their abilities and available time.
Several bat species, including Pipistrelle, Brandt's, Noctule, and Daubenton's bats, hunt insects over the water during summer evenings in this location. These nocturnal predators rely on the open water surfaces as a crucial feeding ground during their most active season.
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