Swanwick Lake, by John Windust
Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve
Location
OS Map Reference
SU 507 099
Know before you go
Entry fee
Donations welcomeParking information
Parking available, but the car park closes at duskBicycle parking
Cycling only permitted on bridlewayGrazing animals
British white cattle grazing from July to OctoberWalking trails
There are three surfaced paths, but others can get very muddy in the winter.
Access
The reserve is located just off Swanwick Lane in Swanwick, about 2 miles from Bursledon and 7 miles from Fareham.
Car: Exit the M27 at junction 8 or 9. From junction 8 follow signs to A3024 Southampton and Hamble and then Park Gate A27. At the traffic lights by ‘The Navigator' pub turn left onto Swanwick Lane. Continue over the motorway then turn left onto Sopwith Way. Turn right at the mini roundabout by the security gates. From junction 9 Follow the signs for Southampton A27 until you reach Park Gate. Take the road sign posted Botley. At the Elm Tree pub turn left onto Swanwick Lane. After about a mile, turn right onto Sopwith Way. Turn right at the mini roundabout by the security gates. Barrier to the carpark open only in daylight hours and operated by NATS.
Public transport: The reserve is about 30 minutes walk from Swanwick station. From the station: Turn right at the end of the access road then continue to the Elm Tree Pub where you turn left onto Swanwick Lane then continue as above. The First bus company run a number of services stopping at either end of Swanwick Lane
Contact the Trust for disabled access information.
Dogs
Facilities
When to visit
Opening times
Open access to majority of the nature reserve; the Education Centre is open for schools and organised groups but closed when not in use. Please note toilets are closed when the Education Centre is closedBest time to visit
Summer: butterflies and dragonflies can be seen all over the site. The meadows are in full flower. Spring: breeding birds and a great dawn chorus. Bluebells carpet parts of the woodland. Winter: frosty mornings. Autumn: leaf colours, fungi spottingAbout the reserve
Swanwick Lakes, once a clay pit for a local brick works, is now a beautiful oasis for nature in an otherwise urban area. A mixture of woodland, lakes and meadows attracts a large array of species.
The majority of the site is woodland, and during the spring it come alive with bird song and woodpeckers drumming as a multiplicity of birds settle down to nest. Rare species such as marsh tits also thrive at this reserve.
Come summer the meadows are in full bloom; they hum and buzz with thousands of insects. North East Meadow is adorned with orchids and knapweed, as well as marbled white, meadow brown and gatekeeper butterflies. In the woodlands elusive white admiral, purple emperor and silver-washed fritillary butterflies flit between the trees.
The lakes and ponds around the site are prime locations for dragonflies and damselflies, including unusual species such as the downy emerald.
The site has an excellent educational facility where children can come and learn about the natural environment, and a number of public events happen throughout the year. Find out more information about Swanwick Lakes Education Centre.
Habitat
Contact us
Location map
News from Swanwick Lakes
Friday Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Tots
Learning through outdoor play for under fives and their parents and carers.
Swanwick Wildlife Watch
Lovely Lions! Wildlife Watch is for 5-15 year olds. The emphasis is on family learning and all children must be accompanied by an adult…
Tuesday Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Tots - Hibernating Hedgehogs
The sleepy hedgehogs need your help at our regular, Tuesday morning, pre-school session.
Our partner at Swanwick Lakes
