Tring (Marsworth)

Discover Tring Reservoirs, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, managed by Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

Explore the towpaths of the Wendover and Aylesbury Canal Arms of the Grand Union Canal and visit the pretty villages of Marsworth and Wilstone.

Where does the water come from?

Four summit reservoirs supply water to the Tring Summit of the Grand Union Canal. These reservoirs store water, mainly from local springs, which is then pumped to the summit.

The largest single water source is Wendover Spring. Water from this source transfers down the Wendover Arm to the reservoirs.

At the south end of the summit adjacent to Cowroast and Northchurch Locks, two pumping stations lift water from boreholes in the chalk aquife.

The Tring Summit of the Grand Union Canal sits on top of chalk bedrock. Chalk has a fine network of cracks in it which hold water. This is called aquife.

Sometimes natural springs occur when the water wells up out of the ground. We can also abstract water by drilling a borehole into the rock and pumping the water out.

Things to see and do

Tring Reservoirs are renowned for their birdlife. Great crested grebes, swans and herons are usually on view, and in winter there are many kinds of ducks and a huge gull roost. In autumn, the mud banks provide a ‘bed and breakfast' stop for waders migrating southwards.

It takes time and funding to keep Tring Reservoirs safe and beautiful for everyone. Your support makes it possible.

Planning your visit

Pause for a chat with our friendly volunteers, they’ll tell you more about the canal, the area and the work they do to make Tring special. Repairing locks, building flower planters for wildlife, clearing fallen trees after storms – they do it all.

Getting there