I recently took my car for an MoT at Arden Park Garage Services in Old Wolverton Rd, Wolverton. I have used the garage for years for MoTs and the garage has the benefit that as well as providing a reasonable priced MoT, just happens to be directly opposite Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve.
So, instead of sitting in the waiting room reading an old magazine, I spent a very pleasant hour rising the reserve. I walked down to the Viaduct hide and then visited the Farm and Iron Trunk hides before returning using the path past the Manor Farm Court offices.
![Great Crested Grebe by Peter Hassett Floodplain Forest NR, 9 June 2017](https://i0.wp.com/mknhs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/17068258.jpg?w=625&ssl=1)
Blackbird
Canada Goose
Cormorant
Crow
Gadwall
Goldfinch
Great Crested Grebe
Grey Heron
Greylag Goose
Jackdaw
![Pied Wagtail ©Peter Hassett, Floodplain Forest NR 19 June 2017](https://i0.wp.com/mknhs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/17060232.jpg?resize=625%2C595&ssl=1)
Magpie
Mallard
Moorhen
Mute Swan
Pheasant
Pied wagtail
Reed bunting
Rook
Shoveler
Starling
Teal
Tufted duck
Wigeon
Wood pigeon
![Konik ponies by Peter Hassett Floodplain Forest NR 19 August 2017](https://i0.wp.com/mknhs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/17087529.jpg?resize=625%2C417&ssl=1)
It was interesting to see the Konik ponies eating shrubs at water’s edge, I’m pleased that they had read their job description!
I didn’t have a camera with me so I’ve included a few photos from previous visits to this wonderful site.
Peter Hassett