Blashford Lakes
| Blashford Lakes is a series of former gravel pits surrounded by grassland and willow, birch and alder woodland. The Dockens Water stream flows through the reserve and is bounded by ancient woodland of oak and beech. This is also the site of one of our education centres and has a number of bird hides around the site. |
The Blashford Lakes Project is a partnership between Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Sembcorp Bournemouth Water, New Forest District Council and Wessex Water. Please click for further detail of project funding.
Click here to see live webcam footage from the nature reserve. See the plan your visit page for information on how to get here and get around.
Seasonal update:
May and Spring has officially arrived at last! The wild daffodils are over and the bluebells now almost in flower. Lady’s smock, or cuckoo flower is now out (beaten by the first calling cuckoo’s by a couple of weeks this year!) along with dog violet, ground ivy, moschatel and hedge garlic. The lesser celandine and primroses are now looking particularly vibrantly yellow as well. Often first seen in March large red damselflies are now finally on the wing, with first sightings in the first week of May at the same time as orangetip, comma, small white and speckled wood butterflies. Brimstone, red admiral, peacock and small tortoiseshell have been flying a bit longer, but not for as long as one might expect! Also enjoying the sun at last are our resident reptile species; grass snake and adder, including the first sightings of a grass snake in the pond by the centre.
On the bird front little ringed plover have been seen by Ibsley Water, sand martins have begun nesting in the artificial sand face beneath Goosander Hide and black caps, reed warblers, chiff chaffs and willow warblers are all singing out from the tree’s and bushes throughout the nature reserve.
For more regular updates on what's happening at Blashford Lakes visit the Blashford Blog.
Spotting sheets for children
Download our “Blashford I-Spy Challenge”, or pick one up from the centre on your next visit and see the nature reserve with new eyes!
Blashford Lakes is a great place to introduce children to wildlife because there is always so much to see. Why not down load our spotting sheets showing some of the birds that you can see on the lakes around the reserve? Waterbirds 1 , Waterbirds 2, Woodland birds 1 and Woodland birds 2.
If you want to make your own spotting sheets, visit the Wildlife Watch website.
Annual Report
The 2010-2011 Annual Report for Blashford Lakes can now be downloaded here.
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Dogs at Blashford Lakes
Due to the sensitive nature of this reserve and the wildlife found there, dogs are not permitted at Blashford Lakes. Find out more about dogs on our nature reserves here.
Upcoming events
22/06/13 Catch the Bug! - Blashford Lakes
A family wildlife discovery event – explore the meadow with a sweep net to find brilliant bugs, crazy crickets, dazzling damselflies and great grasshoppers!
28/06/13 Blashford Buggies! - Blashford Lakes
Join us for a Buggy Walk around Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve on alternate Friday mornings.
01/07/13 Blashford Lakes Wildlife Tots – In the Meadow - Blashford Lakes
Exploration, discovery, games and activities in the meadow for pre-school children and their parents or carers
06/07/13 Pond and River Dipping for Adults - Blashford Lakes
An opportunity to explore the wetland habitats of pond and river and discover their fascinating wildlife, without having to “share” the net with any children!
12/07/13 Blashford Buggies! - Blashford Lakes
Join us for a Buggy Walk around Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve on alternate Friday mornings.
14/07/13 Dragonfly Walk - Blashford Lakes
Guided walk around Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve to find out more about some of the reserves 25 plus dragonfly species
24/07/13 Fifty Fantastic Finds! - BlashfordLakes
Calling all explorers! How many of Blashford Lakes’ natural treasures can you find on this MEGA scavenger hunt around the nature reserve?
26/07/13 Grab a Grasshopper… - Blashford Lakes
…catch a cricket and sweep a spider as you join Education Officer Michelle Crooks to explore the meadow and discover its amazing wildlife
26/07/13 Blashford Buggies! - Blashford Lakes
Join us for a Buggy Walk around Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve on alternate Friday mornings.
