Wonderful wetlands

Herts’ wetlands are at their best at this time of year as wildfowl overwinter in their thousands. Wrap up and go and see the spectacle

- Rebecca Gibson, Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust volunteer

Winter is a fantastic time to enjoy wildlife and one of the best seasons to see wildfowl. Herts’ wetlands see an influx of ducks, as thousands of birds migrate from colder climates in northern and eastern Europe to spend the winter here. Wrap up warm and banish the January blues with a visit to Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s top three nature reserves.

Stocker’s Lake

Situated in the Colne Valley and home to over 60 species of breeding birds as well as the county’s largest heronry, Stocker’s Lake in Rickmansworth is a paradise for birdwatchers. Kingfishers perch on overhanging branches, flashing rotund orange bellies and electric blue backs. Great-crested grebes dive into the water while mute swans cruise along like ships among sailboats. Elsewhere on the lake are wigeon, tufted duck and shoveler, and red kites glide overhead.