Situated on the edge of Northamptonshire village Long Buckby, Mill Park is a volunteer-run nature reserve established in 1983. Formerly used as the village rubbish tip, the stream-side site was transformed into a habitat for local wildlife.
Our registered charity number is 1115271.
Two ponds, a bog garden and a wide range of nest boxes have been established. There is an observation platform by the stream, plus seats and a picnic bench.
The Pocket Park also contains a butterfly garden, a human sundial and a kingfisher bank. A wildflower meadow and mini woodland have been created. An extensive range of trees commonly found in Northamptonshire have been planted. Management of the wooded areas includes removing excess elder and mulching and weeding of newly planted trees and hedgerows.
The ponds are managed to keep a balance of open water and oxygenating plants. Excess blanket weed and algae is removed and unwanted plants cleared in the autumn (to minimise disruption of pond life).
The spring meadow is allowed to grow until June, when the hay is cut and removed. The summer meadow is mown regularly up until June, then allowed to flower and seed and a late hay crop taken around September time.
Accessibility Information
Mostly a flat park with paths all grass or boardwalks. Boardwalks are 1m wide. Some of the paths can get muddy during wet weather. There are sloping paths alongside the ponds and down to Kingfisher Cove. Two observation platforms overlook a small river.