Herschel Park is a hidden gem in the middle of Slough. It’s a 3.5 hectare park and nature reserve and dates back to the 1840s. There is plenty of space for the girls to run about it, plus two small lakes and a bridge where they can stop and feed the ducks. It’s a lovely place to explore and very peaceful too. We’ve been there several times and it’s never been busy when we’ve visited.
Feeding the ducks is always a popular activity with my girls. If we’re out somewhere where there are ducks and we have no food, the girls are very disappointed! Fortunately, this time I had remembered to bring some defrosted frozen peas. My childhood memories of feeding ducks involved throwing bread at them. However, I’ve since learned that bread is not very good for ducks and so we tend to opt for duck food (if available) or defrosted peas or sweetcorn instead.
Sophie loved feeding the peas to the ducks. She was in her element standing by the edge of the lake throwing the peas to them. We spotted a few ducklings in the lake. Most of the ducks seemed to be enjoying a mid-morning snooze in the sunshine though!
Once we’d finished feeding the ducks, we had a little walk around the park. Some of the trees have a numbered plaque in front of them, to show what type of tree they are. Sophie loves trying to find as many numbers as she can and asking me what the sign says. I have to admit I probably wouldn’t have a clue what most of the trees were without the help of the signs!
On the way back to the car, we also spotted some damselflies near one of the wildlife ponds. I would have liked to watch them for a while (and try to get a photo!) but Sophie was eager to get back home again.
This year we’re taking part in #30DaysWild – a challenge from the Wildlife Trusts to get outside each day in June, do something wild and connect with nature.
What a lovely way to spend the morning! Beautiful sunny day too, great to make the most of it in such a pretty park. And, love that they have signs on the trees, I’m useless at the names too 🙂 #countrykids
Thanks Sara. The signs on the trees were very helpful! 🙂
We haven’t been to feed the ducks for ages – you’ve just reminded me to add it to our list of things to do during the holidays 🙂 #countrykids
Hope you have fun feeding the ducks in the holidays 🙂
This looks like the perfect way to spend the morning with Sophie, such a beautiful place to explore. I knew bread wasn’t very good for ducks but I didn’t realise peas were supposed to be a good replacement, I’ll have to have a look into this for on the farm here. Sophie looks like she had a wonderful time, it’s great that there are the plaques around the trees in the park too, a great way to learn more about nature.
Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.
I think I read about peas online when I first heard that bread was bad. The ducks don’t seem to like them as much as the bread though – bit like kids with cake vs veggies!
I had no idea that there was a nature reserve in Slough. Also I had heard that we shouldn’t give ducks bread but didn’t actually know that frozen defrost peas were a good alternative – I will remember that thanks. Looks like you had a great day out. #countrykids
It is a bit of a hidden gem – I never knew it was there until a family member suggested meeting there for an afternoon out.
It’s been ages since we have fed the ducks, in fact I’m not sure Kipper has ever done that! Which is particularly rubbish on my part. I didn’t know about the peas we have always used bread traditionally – so will give this a go next time x #CountryKids
We don’t do it often enough either. The girls love it when we do though 🙂
Simple and lovely… #countrykids
Thank you 🙂
I’ll have to remember about the peas! we have been taking out oats since I learnt about bread being bad for them, I feel so guilty now. the only thing with oats is that it isn’t very easy to throw! #countrykids
Oats are good too. I might try that for a change. Peas aren’t as easy to throw as bread either!
You just can’t beat a trip to a duck pond can you, love the idea of using peas too #CountryKids
The good thing with peas is I know I generally will have plenty in the freezer! 🙂
I also heard that bread is not good for ducks but did not know you could feed them peas and sweet corn. Will have to try that next time we go to the duck pond. #CountryKids
The ducks don’t seem quite so enthusiastic about it as they did with bread but it is much better for them! 🙂