The Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve loop — The Parks Trust

Embark on an easy jogging experience through The Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve loop. This 2.6-mile (4.2 km) route, with a minimal 45 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 27 minutes to complete. You'll follow a hard, flat, and surfaced path, winding past tranquil wetland scenery, numerous pools, and lagoons, with glimpses of the River Great Ouse. Keep an eye out for diverse wildfowl and wading birds, and you might even spot Konik ponies grazing in the distance.

This accessible trail is generally wheelchair and pushchair friendly, though some inner paths are gravel. Be aware that after heavy rainfall, parts of the reserve can become muddy or temporarily inaccessible due to its design to absorb floodwaters. The reserve is open year-round, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities throughout the seasons, with bird hides available for observation.

Developed from former pasture and gravel quarry land, this reserve officially opened in 2016 and plays a crucial role as a natural flood defense for the River Great Ouse. Its ecological design creates a dynamic habitat highly attractive to wetland wildlife, making it a prime location for birdwatching and natural history in Buckinghamshire. The reserve is part of the wider Ouse Valley Park, providing a valuable green space for the Milton Keynes area.