Boarstall Duck Decoy

Decoy ponds were originally used to attract and catch ducks for eating, but today Boarstall Duck Decoy is an important roosting and wintering site for wildfowl and the only birds that are caught are ringed and released.

The woodland that surrounds the decoy pond supports mostly broad-leaved trees such as Oak and Ash and is rich in wildlife. Forty-three species of bird and three species of deer have been recorded in recent years. A nature trail now runs through the woodland and around the pond and can be used by visitors with wheelchairs.

Some of the species that can be found in the woodland are:

• Oak
• Ground Ivy
• Ash
• Bluebell
• Great spotted woodpecker 
• Muntjac deer
• Grey squirrel

Boarstall Duck Decoy is one of four working decoy ponds left in Britain. It was restored in the 1960s and is now owned by the National Trust and managed as a nature reserve by Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust.

Some of the species that can be found on the decoy pond are:

• Reedmace
• Yellow iris
• Moorhen
• Mallard
• Little grebe
• Southern hawker dragonfly
• Blue tailed damselfly

For more information call 01296 696012 or email erc@buckscc.gov.uk

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