Blashford Lakes
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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. Click here for more on wildlife and landscape features. |
Monthly update
We are now definitely into late summer, the big hawker dragonflies and the smaller red darters are now out and about, replacing the chasers of early summer. The last of the sand martin chicks are starting to leave their nests at the Goosander hide and will soon depart entirely. On Ibsley Water the fledged common terns are honing their fishing skills and the first of the waders are returning from northern breeding grounds.
For more regular updates on what's happening at Blashford Lakes visit the Blashford Blog.
There are now several cameras set up around the reserve, the output can be watched in the Centre or online. Each one gives a peek into a hidden corner of the reserve. It might be the badger sett, the comings and goings of the grass snakes and mice in the compost bin or the underwater world of the pond." Click here to see the latest webcam footage.
How to get there
Blashford Lakes is 2 miles north of Ringwood on the A338, turn right (east) onto Ellingham Drove, the reserve entrance is after 500 yards with main car park to the left and Education Centre to the right. Main car park is at SU151083, Education Centre is at SU151079, postcode BH24 3PJ. View a map.
Public transport:
Bus, the X3 Bournemouth-Salisbury service stops at Ellingham Cross 500yds west of the main reserve entrance.
Getting around
The main paths are all rolled gravel with shallow gradients. At access points the kissing gates have RADAR keys for wider opening to allow passage of wheelchairs and buggies. A key can be borrowed from the Education Centre by arrangement. There are disability buggies available to borrow - to book, call 01425 472 760.
Opening times:
Open from 09:00 to 16:30 daily apart from Christmas day. During these hours the car park, all bird hides and Centre building with toilets are open. Outside these hours the paths are accessible but there is no vehicle access.
Information:
There are blackboards with recent sightings in the car park, at the Education Centre and in several of the bird hides. Also check latest reserve news. Leaflets, including a site map are available at the main car park, in the hides and at the Education Centre. Download a copy of the new reserve leaflet. Please note, that dogs are not allowed on the reserve.
Contact information
Call 01425 472760 or 07917 616695
Upcoming events
14/09/10 “Mini Beasts”: In the Woods - Blashford Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 151 079)
Woodland minibeasting for pre-school children and their parents or carers as we search for slugs, look out for ladybirds and spy on spiders
21/09/10 Garden Ponds - Blashford Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 151 079)
Making and maintaining garden ponds and their wildlife
24/09/10 Moonlit Meander - Blashford Lakes Centre, (Map ref. SU 151 079)
Step out under the stars on a nocturnal wildlife adventure around Blashford Lakes
06/10/10 “Mini Beasts”: Tall Trees and Small Seeds - Blashford Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 151 079).
Tree-mendous outdoor Autumn fun games and activities for pre-school children and their parents or carers
23/10/10 Dabbling Ducks and Fab Finches - Blashford Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 151 079).
Discover birds together at this family event. Drop in anytime and follow the trail between the hides where our experts will be on hand
26/10/10 Nature’s Harvest - Blashford Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 151 079).
A Playday for 8-12 year-olds. Discover seed dispersal secrets, fungal facts and tall tree tales as we explore an autumnal Blashford Lakes
27/10/10 Nature’s Harvest - Blashford Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 151 079).
A Playday for 5-7 year-olds. Discover seed dispersal secrets, fungal facts and tall tree tales as we explore an autumnal Blashford Lakes
31/10/10 Blashford Lakes Birdwatch - Blashford Lakes Wildlife Reserve (Map ref. SU 151 079)
A wander in and around the Blashford Lakes Wildlife Reserve to find the autumn migrants and early winter visiting birds
16/11/10 Snails and Things - Blashford Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 151 079)
An illustrated talk by Graham Long
24/11/10 Wildfowl Wander - Blashford Lakes Reserve (Map ref. SU 151 083)
A short walk around Blashford Lakes to view the winter migrants and find out more about the reserve
27/11/10 Birds at Blashford - Blashford Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 151 079)
A walk to look at and identify the birds at Blashford
20/12/10 Cheap Cheep - Christmas Tree Treats - Blashford Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 151 083)
Drop in any time during the session to Blashford Lakes to make some natural tree decorations that the garden birds will enjoy during the Christmas festivities
