Bentley Priory Nature Trail
Post 14: The stream flows through a brickwork pit before entering the lake. This is a silt trap; every few years silt that would otherwise flow into the lake and gradually fill it up is dug out of the trap. To the left you can see a marshy area at the head of the lake. This is home to a number of wetland plants including marsh marigold or kingcup Caltha palustris, a member of the buttercup family with broad simple leaves - see illustration below. The bright yellow flowers appear in April through June.

Herons can often be seen here hunting for frogs. In winter, a lucky observer will see a kingfisher perched on a post or stump at the water’s edge. These lovely birds regularly overwinter around the lake but are wary and surprisingly difficult to spot.


Image: Marsh marigold by Peter Peretti

To description for post 15

Click here to learn more about the Harrow Nature Conservation Forum including guided walks and conservation workdays.