Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve — Attraction in Milton Keynes

The Parks Trust have reclaimed approximately 50 hectares of the River Great Ouse floodplain from previous gravel quarry workings to form the Floodplain Forest nature Reserve. This has been altered to accommodate natural river flows, flooding and biodiversity. Multiple channels, lagoons and shallow pools cover the area to allow flora and fauna to flourish in more natural habitats.

The bank of the Ouse has been lowered a little, I think, to more easily feed the original, small, densely vegetated slow flowing channel with some original pollarded willows in the South of the floodplain. During times of flood and high flow, this channel feeds the lakes and lagoons before reconnecting with the Great Ouse further downstream.

There is a nice network of paths and causeways that let you easily navigate around the Floodplain Forest though, inevitably, these are sometimes under the water. There are three wooden hides from which to watch various species of water fowl they have benches and even a spotters guide on the wall so you know what to look out for. The fishers include herons, cormorants and egrets.

Public noticeboards elsewhere in the reserve provide information about the other wildlife which can thrive here. As well as wildlife the Parks Trust have released four hardy Konik ponies to keep the taller vegetation under control.

What there doesn't seem to be much of in this forest...

One of the best areas to have a peaceful and scenic walk in the MK area. Very beautiful scenery, so close to Wolverton / Old Wolverton / Wolverton Mill. I personally walk here every few days.

A very wide variety of birds and waterbirds can be seen, so being your binoculars if you're interested in that thing. There are a number of bird hides to sit and view the wildlife across the wetlands.

There is even some wild ponies which have been reintroduced to the area and can be seen easily.

Paths are well maintained and I've never see any had any anti social behaviour issues.

It does getting flooded sometimes and can be quite muddy in some areas in winter time, so bring...

A rather special area carefully managed by the Parks Trust. Wildlife and fauna changing gently with the seasons. Most of the walks are flat and wheelchair friendly with bird watching hides for those that enjoy that pastime, but be advised that this area is a floodplain and access is limited if the Ouse valley is in flood. Note that it can be busy during peak times, especially at the hides, but well...