Day 180 - June 29th

Yesterday, a friend shared on Facebook photos from College Lake Nature Reserve in Tring, a former chalk quarry managed by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. Since it's so close to the Tring Reservoirs and Grand Union Canal, where we sometimes walk, we decided to combine our usual stroll with a visit to the reserve today.

We started at Marsworth and walked along the canal in the opposite direction to our usual walk, so that we would end up at Bulbourne near to the Nature Reserve.

It was nice to see so many baby birds on the canal, like these ducklings.

As well as along the canal, the walk also took us through woodland where there were plenty of bees and butterflies.

The ladybirds were enjoying this plant.

Leaving the Wendover Arm of the canal we turned and walked to Bulbourne.

Turning inland, away from the canal we soon reached the Nature Reserve.

First stop was the cafe, for a drink and bite to eat before heading off for a walk round the lake.

The reserve was much bigger than we had anticipated and there was lots to see.

Within the reserve a wildlife garden has been created with plants to attract and support butterflies, bees and other bugs and beasties.

(That green leaf is a butterfly!)

Walking round the lake we were surprised how many orchids we saw. 

We even spotted our very first Bee Orchid of the year, albeit past its best .....

..... and a Common Spotted Orchid.

Leaving the Nature Reserve we then headed back to the canal and back towards Marsworth.

I loved the face on this boat

This former lock keepers cottage is now for sale - offers in excess of £1million.