Pete's Montgomery Canal Photo-site. Aston Off-line nature reserve.

Pete's Montgomery Canal Photo-site.

Aston Nature Reserve ( section3a ).

Leaving the canal visitors car park at Queen's Head, you walk south along the towpath passing below the A5 road bridge. Aston Top Lock is to be seen in the distance, a short walk from the road. Above, adjacent to and below the lock, you will find the Aston Off Line Nature Reserve. The pounds are now becoming well established and contain plants transplanted from off the main line of the canal.

Just above Aston Top Lock.
The feed for Aston Nature Reserve is seen leaving the main line of the canal .

Aston nature reserve top pound.
After crossing over the gates of the top lock, you pass through a small gate to enter the reserve. To your right is to be seen the now matured top pound which in addition to plant life provides a home for several varieties of fish including Roach , Perch and Tench .

Another view of the top pound.
This section of the top pound is seen looking north from above the small weir carrying run -off to the lower pound.

Wooden footbridge.
Spanning the shallow weir mentioned in the previous caption is a wooden footbridge.

Below the wooden bridge.
Floating water plants adorn the clear water.

Lower pound.
A closer view of the Floating Water Plants that are now well established.
Note the dragon fly on the stem of the reed.

Lower pound.
Looking from the direction of the footbridge.

Looking across the lower pound.
A veritable haven for wild life but small fish beware. Jack pike are evident on the edge of the reed beds.

Floating water plants in abundance.

Below the top lock.
The run-off from the off-line nature reserve re-joins the course of the main canal.

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