Testwood Lakes Centre and Reserve

What will I find?

The 150 acre Testwood site has been developed over a period of twelve years, during which time gravel was extracted to create a series of water storage reservoirs and conservation wetlands. There are three lakes. Little Testwood is primarily a water storage reservoir where private fishing is the main recreational activity. Testwood Lake is the largest of the three lakes and Meadow Lake has been created at the northern end of the complex to provide wet meadows and water channels for nesting waders in spring and summer. The lakes attract a variety of waterfowl during the autumn and winter. There is a birdwatching hide with a good view over the wetlands around Meadow Lake. The hide is usually open every day between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

How will I get around?

There are gravelled tracks around Testwood and Little Testwood Lakes. There is also a gravelled track leading to Meadow Lake and the bird hide. Part of this track is on a boardwalk through an area of woodland, known as Alder Gully. All the tracks, the boardwalk and the bird hide are suitable for wheel chair access. The gates on the site are also wheel chair accessible, using RADAR keys. Download the Testwood Lakes Wildlife Reserve leaflet (708kB), for more details.

It is possible to walk along footpaths and lanes from Testwood Lakes, down the Test valley to the extensive reedbeds and water meadows of the Lower Test Wildlife Reserve. Download the Lower Test Valley Self Guided Trail leaflet - Points of Interest (316kB) and Map (519kB), for more details.

How do I get there?

Exit M27 at Junction 2, take A326 Fawley/Totton road, take the first exit to Totton (A36) and proceed towards Totton. After about three quarters of a mile you will come to a roundabout, take the first road on the left (Brunel Road), after about one quarter of a mile you will see Testwood Lakes entrance on your left. The nearest train station is at Totton.

Tue 15th Jul 2008Summer Splashers’ Toddler Club at Testwood Lakes
Wed 23rd Jul 2008Butterflies, Dragonflies and Moths at Testwood Lakes
Wed 6th Aug 2008Flutterby Favourites (Testwood Lakes)
Tue 12th Aug 2008‘Summer Splashers’ Toddler Club at Testwood Lakes
Thu 14th Aug 2008A Drop in the Ocean (Testwood Lakes)


Things to look out for

  • The Lakes are attracting increasing numbers of wildfowl during the winter, including Mallard, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Gadwall and Wigeon.
  • Wading birds, including Oystercatcher, Lapwing and Redshank breed in the areas around Meadow Lake.
  • The ground flora of Alder Gully is very rich, including Lesser Spearwort, Bluebell, Yellow Pimpernel, Moschatel, Red Campion and Foxglove.

The Centre

School and community groups can take advantage of a wide range of habitats for educational activities. Woodland and meadow, pond and river, all lend themselves to activities that will enhance an understanding and care for the environment. The varied land use provides a range of learning opportunities for older students. Here are details of our education programme. 

The centre has an active volunteer group, the Friends of Testwood which meets at 10:00 am every Monday. They carry out a wide range of conservation tasks, including wildlife surveying, fencing, path laying, pruning and coppicing, volunteers also look after the centre's dry garden, open and close the hide and assist with education activities. Volunteers often help by manning the centre on Sunday afternoon, when it is open to the public.

Would you like more information?

There is also scope for local groups, schools, etc to use the facilities for meetings and training on appropriate topics. If you would like to discuss bringing your group to Testwood Lakes, please call the Education Officer, Sam Dawson at the Testwood Lakes Centre on 023 8066 7929.

More information about Testwood Lakes and our other reserves is available from our Wildlife & Wild places Reserves Guide, priced at £6.99 or free to members who pay by direct debit.

To purchase your copy or to become a member, contact us on 01489 774400 or complete  and return a membership form.
Testwood Lakes Centre by John Shillitoe