30/04/2026
Totternhoe Knolls & College Lake trip report; 18th June
Nearly 20 people joined this trip: thankfully, the car park at Totternhoe Knolls was found by all (it’s an obscure location) and there was enough space. And it was worth it!
This is a mixed area; not just a nature reserve, but also a group of historic sites, including a motte and bailey castle and mediaeval quarries. The whole is linked by accessible green lanes and footpaths, although much of the site requires time and agility.
We limited ourselves to a morning at the Knolls, for various practical reasons.
First we walked to the castle, along a gently rising lane with bird life, mostly heard and not seen, and good views. There were, identifiable by song, Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs, but the highlight was a mystery: a largish, russet coloured bird that repeatedly flew across our path without allowing us to identify it, best guess was a Tawny Owl being hassled by potential prey.
The energetic amongst us climbed the castle mound, for the view and, why not?
We backtracked down the lane to the reserve’s entry gate. Immediately, we were aware of interesting birdsong – Chiffchaff and Whitethroat, etc, in the middle distance. After some frustrating searching, a Whitethroat was found in the ‘scope, singing its heart out. Other visitors assured us of birding riches further on, so on we went.
These “riches” didn’t materialise, although we found, visually and aurally, several Blackcaps and Whitethroats. The highlight of the walk back to the cars (and lunch) was a bold Corn Bunting singing from a tree. Those with cameras took advantage although a silhouette against a bright sky benefits from skill and technology.
Also worth mention were sightings of Skylarks, Swallows, Jay, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. For many of the group, this had been a pleasant visit to a new (to many) site. There’s a large area that we didn’t visit, including a butterfly research area and quarried landscapes with varied ecology. All it lacks is a toilet!
Which explains why College Lake was an attractive venue.
Recently, I’ve played down the birding benefits of College Lake BBOWT reserve. Numbers and variety of birds have declined. That said, however, on the day there were several “good spots”. Some of the group trekked down to the Octagon Hide and spotted a few Common Terns, and single Redshank, Common Sandpiper and Little Ringed Plover. Also several young Lapwings were present. Sadly, the reported Lesser Scaup had moved elsewhere.
College Lake cafe offered refreshments, although, tragically, too few cakes. Still, coffee and hot chocolate were nice.
In case you’ve not heard, the embankments and carpark at Wilstone Reservoir have reopened to the public.
Axel Kirby
