| Boarstall Duck Decoy is set on a tree-framed lake.
This is one of the few remaining working examples of a once-common feature of the English
country side. Charles II was responsible for
introducing the duck decoy to this country in the 17th century. The aim of the decoy
is to catch waterfowl in large numbers. A 'decoy' or dummy duck is used to attract
birds onto a small patch of water. Parts of the water is partitioned into funnels
using nets. A decoyman and his trained dog then herd the birds into these netted
over 'pipes'. Having trapped the birds they can then be caught as required.
The birds trapped here were once an important source of winter food but the birds
caught today are ringed for ornithological study.
A collection of European wildfowl is kept on the lake and
there is a nature trail in the woods. The National Trust maintain an exhibition hall
on the property and notes are provided for those interested in the natural history of the
site. |
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Boarstall Duck Decoy
