Linford Lakes Nature Reserve

Linford Lakes is a protected Nature Reserve and a hugely important site for wildlife in Milton Keynes. Unlike almost all our sites, we have to limit access to the site to enable the fragile ecosystems to be protected.

The area consists of a large lake, woodland and small meadows which are interlaced with a series of ponds and smaller lakes. The four bird hides located on the site gives visitors the opportunity to watch the wildlife and take in the spectacular scenery. The lakes attract Waterfowl, Waders and Heron, as well as the rarer Autumn/Winter visitors which include Smew and Great White Egret. The woodland is home to Voles and Wood Mice as well as the occasionally spotted Reeves Muntjac Deer. This site is undoubtedly a unique green space which provides one of the richest sites for wildlife in Milton Keynes. The Parks Trust will maintain the future of this site to continue and improve the biodiversity of the area.

Visiting the Site

To visit the site and use the Education Centre, please contact us to arrange a group or school booking. Alternatively, the Friends of Linford Lakes organise an Open Sunday every month to enable people to experience the site. They can also grant permits to individuals to enable them to access the site.

Hours of operation:

The centre is available for bookings from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday.

The History of the Reserve

The Parks Trust purchased the Hanson Environmental Centre and the Nature Reserve from Milton Keynes Council in March 2015.

The site, which is at Great Linford on the Northern edge of Milton Keynes, was established as a wildfowl centre in 1982 following gravel extraction from the area. Linford Lake Nature Reserve is a 37-hectare wetland wildlife site managed and maintained as a nature reserve and site for outdoor learning activities.

Please note: This is a sensitive Nature Reserve. Dogs are strictly prohibited and people must resister to access the Reserve.