Blashford Lakes Wildlife Education Centre
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On the western edge of the New Forest near Ringwood, Blashford Lakes is a partnership between Sembcorp Bournemouth Water, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, New Forest District Council and Wessex Water. Please click here to find out more about how the project is funded.
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Family I Spy Trail
Enjoy a wintery walk around Blashford Lakes and see how many of our photos you can spot. Make sure you go in all the hides! Download and print a copy of the trail or pick one up from the Education Centre when you arrive.
Dates: All of December and January (except Christmas day). Any time between 9am-4.30pm. FREE!
The 500 acre nature reserve is home to a rich variety of wildlife and habitats including lake, woodland, river and grassland, all of which are easily accessible from the well equipped Education Centre via a comprehensive network of surfaced footpaths and wildlife hides. For more information about the wildlife on the reserve and links to the reserve blog and live wildlife web-cam please visit the Blashford Lakes Reserve page.
Spotting sheets
You can down load our spotting sheets showing some water birds which you can see on the lakes around the reserve - Waterbirds 1 and Waterbirds 2. There are also sheets for the birds which you can see in the woodland - Woodland birds 1 and Woodland birds 2. If you want to make your own spotting sheets, visit the Watch website.
Where is the centre?
Within the Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve on the western edge of the New Forest in the Avon Valley. The reserve is 2 miles north of Ringwood on the A338, turn right (east) onto Ellingham Drove, the reserve entrance is after 500 yards with the main car park to the left and Education Centre to the right. View a map of the area.
The building was constructed with local materials and we demonstrate sustainable use through:
- Rainwater harvesting to flush the toilets
- Water butts for topping up the pond and watering plants
- Compost bins
- Cycle storage for visitors
- Waste-free lunch competition for visiting schools
- Water dispenser for topping up your own bottles
Staffing
We have 2 full-time members of staff, experienced in delivering outdoor learning in fun, stimulating and creative ways. All staff and volunteers are CRB checked.
What can we offer?
Exciting, inspiring and rewarding Forest School programmes (follow the link to find out more).
Our day visits programme links with the National Curriculum and can be adapted to suit your needs. Find out more about the KS1 and KS2 activities on offer. The reserve is particularly suitable for creative activities, understanding and exploring conflicts and changes in land use, habitat and river studies.
We also offer exciting wildlife activities to youth and community groups at weekend and evening times - please contact us to find out more.
Groups may use the site independently but must book in advance to do so.
Why visit us?
- Experienced and inspiring staff
- Well equipped classroom
- An accessible New Forest stream/river
- Mixed woodland and willow coppice
- Dipping pond
- Meadow and rare lichen-rich grassland
- Hides for observation of woodland and water birds (binoculars provided)
- Marked, easily accessible trails
But don't just take our word for it! Child and teacher evaluations of group visits to the reserve are overwhelmingly positive:
"Thank you for another fantastic day. All staff are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic they even motivate me!" (class teacher)
"Staff made our visit so informative and enjoyable. It is a wonderful environment and the activities valuable for the curriculum and beyond. We certainly plan to return, THANK YOU." (class teacher)
"A fantastic day - thank you so much. We continue to be impressed with the facilities and the excellent support and teaching from the staff and volunteers. The activities were perfectly suited to our children. Thank you!" (class teacher)
"This was the first visit by our school and it proved to be a marvelous experience. The children thoroughly enjoyed the whole day AND also got an awful lot of scientific learning from the activities." (class teacher)
"This is the most amazing place I've ever been!" (pupil)
"Adventurous fun and lots to discover." (pupil)
How do I book?
Ring Blashford Lakes Centre on 01425 472760 to discuss the availability of dates and activities. Our staff will provide you with booking forms and detailed risk assessment
Where can I go for more information?
Our previsit pack will give you lots more information or you can ring us on 01425 472760 or email jimd@hwt.org.uk.
Find out more about the site by visiting the reserves page or download the site leaflet.
There are also events held at Blashford throughout the year.
The Trust is planning to re-connect coastal communities with the sea as a source of amazing biodiversity. Find out how we are Making Waves.
