Just beyond the lakes to the North is the River Ouse. The River Ouzel forms the main feature of one of Milton Keynes' linear parks. A leisure route runs the length of the park giving good access to the river and associated lakes and ponds. There is a public car park and picnic area at Woughton. The River Ouzel between Woughton and Walton balancing lake is particularly attractive.
Water crowfoot grows in the water for much of the length.
This is the best site in Milton Keynes to see the nationally rare White-legged Damselfly. Many hundreds of pairs may be seen ovipositing on the water crowfoot in June. There are also good numbers of Banded Demoiselles. In the Ouzel Valley Park near to the Open University. Parking at picnic area on Newport Road.