Testwood Lakes Education Centre
This 150 acre Nature Reserve is funded in partnership with Southern Water. The site offers a wide range of habitats with lakes, meadows, hides, trails and Bronze Age history.
Gravel extraction has created lakes and wetland areas which are used for
- Water storage
- Fishing
- Recreation
- Conservation
Download the Testwood Lakes annual report 2010/11.
Where is the Centre?
Testwood Lakes lies in the Lower Test Valley, on the outskirts of Totton, off the A36, easily accessible from the M27, junction 2. View a map.
At the site we demonstrate sustainable use through
- Compost bins and water saving devices
- A demonstration water saving ‘Dry Garden’.
- Cycle storage for visitors
- Waste–free lunch competition for visiting schools
Staffing
We have 2 full-time members of staff, experienced in delivering outdoor learning in fun, stimulating and creative ways. The centre has a pool of trained, experienced volunteers to call on to support learning activities. All staff and volunteers are CRB checked.
What can we offer?
-
Our day visit programme is carefully designed to match programmes of study in KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4 science, geography, history , PSHE, Environmental Science and art curricula.
-
The centre is fully equipped with a range of resources to support all activities from KS2 Celt costumes to field studies equipment for A level Ecology sessions.
-
Staff are happy to discuss individual requirements and adapt activities to match class needs.
-
Groups can use the site independently but will need to book in advance.
-
Forest School programmes, subject to availability
Why visit us?
Testwood Lakes offers engaging, exciting ‘hands on’ visits for children and young people aged 3-18
Schools benefit from exploring a range of different habitats
• Woodlands (mixed, wet and developing!)
• Wildflower Meadows
• Large accessible dipping ponds and lakes
• A working reservoir owned by Southern Water
• The River Test, it’s tributaries and streams.
Special features include
• Bird hides ( Binoculars provided)
• A Celtic Roundhouse and area rich in Bronze Age history
• The Lower Test Marshes
• Map trails
• Contrasting views across countryside to Southampton
How do I book?
Ring Testwood Lakes Centre on 023 80 667929 to discuss the availability of dates and activities. Our staff will provide you with booking forms and detailed risk assessments for the site and outdoor activities. There is a pre visit pack available.
Where can I go for more information?
Look at our Key Stage One and Key Stage Two themed activity days for what we can provide, or we can taylor make a more specialised day for your class. Ring Helen Robinson on 02380 667929 or email helenr@hwt.org.uk to make an enquiry.
Further details
Find out more about the site by visiting Testwood Lakes reserve page or downloading the site leaflet. There are also a number of events on at Testwood Lakes through out 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.
