Minet Country Park
New Nature Trail
Section 2
This Nature Trail was prepared in the summer of 2003.
This was after development by Hillingdon Council.
In this section of the trail we travel south of the tarmac path along the waterways.
We are still using the gravel paths.
The banks of the waterways are steep, & there is a danger of falling in. Watch out for dragonflies & damselflies, as well as midges & mosquitoes.
You may like to try pond dipping. If you do, examine your catch & return it to the pond. BE CAREFUL.
This map shows the walk around the Minet area. This section covers stations 7 - 8.
Disclaimer:
The conservation area is rough and rutted, and swampy in places, so please take care at all times.
No responsibility can be taken by the author or A Rocha for any accidents or incidents resulting from the use of this information.
7. Re-enter the park by the Hayes gate.
You can take the rough path along the fence, or continue a short way along the tarmac until you come to a gravel path which leads over a bridge.
Cross the bridge & bear left along the gravel path.
The waterways are low in the summer, & plants grow freely in the damp ditch. This was scooped out to remove rubbish, & is steadily recovering.
Look up to see the dead oak trees that normally have birds resting in the branches.
The main pond is recovering its vegetation & insect life. Reed mace & Canada pond weed are established, restoring oxygen to the water after the landscaping dust depleted it.
8. This is the furthest point using the gravel paths. The author is resting at a bench thoughtfully provided.
The view from the bench. The path leads back across a bridge over a weir.
To return to the start, cross the weir bridge and follow one of the gravel paths. They all lead back to the tarmac path.
The photo is from the weir bridge looking north.
The dark patches are Canada pond weed which has oxygenated the pond & enhanced the water life.
To continue the trail, click on the link
.
The trail now continues to the conservation area.
