The new bird hide, funded by the National Lottery Heritage fund, was completed last week and is named to commemorate Paul Thrush, that the Trust’s former Nature Reserves Manager and the impact he had on wildlife – and people – during his time at the Trust.

Visitors to the new hide will be able to enjoy stunning views across Wilstone Reservoir, part of Tring Reservoirs Nature Reserve. The reservoirs are one of the best birdwatching spots in southern England and are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Year-round, the reservoirs boast huge numbers of birds and they are particularly important for winter visiting waterfowl and wading birds.  

Lesley Davies, Chief Executive at the Trust, says: “We’re very pleased that this new bird hide will give visitors to Wilstone Reservoir an opportunity to enjoy the nature reserve that Paul loved so much. Paul’s enthusiasm for wildlife was infectious and he was instrumental in making Hertfordshire and Middlesex a wilder place. He is sorely missed by his former colleagues; we hope that this bird hide serves as a wonderful memory of his life. Though our birdwatching hides are currently closed due to Coronavirus restrictions, we hope to welcome visitors to the new hide soon.”

Paul was Reserves Officer and later Nature Reserves Manager at the Trust from 2007 – 2016. Paul gained a BSc in Countryside Management from the University of Lincoln and was a Ranger for Lee Valley Park Authority and Ealing Council before joining the Trust in 2007 as a Reserves Officer. Paul left Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust in 2016 and went to join Devon Wildlife Trust at their Seaton Jurassic centre. He passed away in 2020.

Before visiting, please make sure to familiarise yourself with the current regulations at hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/coronavirus.