Swanwick Lakes
Swanwick Lakes is now the proud owner of a kingfisher nesting bank. It is the result of two days of hard work by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and NATS (National Air Traffic Service) staff, under the leadership of Jamie Marsh, Reserves Officer. Great fun was had by everyone involved, and the resulting nesting bank makes a brilliant addition to the reserve. I will post any kingfisher activity on the website. For more information about how you can help kingfishers and their habitat, please check out our kingfisher appeal.
Monthly Update
Our lovely Criollo ponies are back at Swanwick Lakes this month. They are grazing the meadows to help us encourage a variety of wildflowers to grow. Blooms that can be seen in August include knapweed, fleabane, St John’s wort and teasel. The flowers attract many flying insects such as bees and butterflies. Dragonflies such as common darter and emperor can be seen laying eggs on the lakes.
For more regular updates on what's happening at Swanwick Lakes visit our Wildlife News section.
Swanwick Lakes is an almost entirely man-made landscape. This former clay extraction site is owned by NATS and managed for wildlife and education by the Wildlife Trust. The reserve extends to around 80 acres and is designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).
Click here for more on wildlife and landscape features.
How to get there
The reserve is located just off Swanwick Lane in Swanwick, about 2 miles from Bursledon and 7 miles from Fareham. We are easily accessible via the M27 from the surrounding urban areas of Southampton, Gosport and Portsmouth. View a map.
By car:
Swanwick Lakes is easily accessible from the M27 junction 8 or 9.
From M27 junction 8 follow signs to A3024 Southampton and Hamble and then Park Gate A27. At the traffic lights by ‘The Spinnaker' 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.
By train:
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.
By bus:
First bus company run a number of services along Swanwick Lane. Visit their website for details.
Getting around
The Reserve is open from dawn to dusk every day with open access to the majority of the site. You will find:
- a network of surfaced paths
- 3 waymarked trails of varying lengths
- informal unsurfaced paths to explore through the woods, round the lakes and over the hill
- frequent benches, fantastic viewpoints
- a reserve leaflet including a trail guide is available
Download a copy of the reserve leaflet.
Contact information
Call 01489 570240 or email dawnp@hwt.org.uk
There are two full-time members of staff on site and a well-equipped study centre which is extensively used by schools and community groups.
Upcoming events
06/09/10 Bats! - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve,(Map ref. SU 505 098)
Join experts from the Hampshire Bat Group for an illustrated talk about the lives of these fascinating creatures, followed by a guided walk around the reserve looking and listening for signs of activity using bat detectors
07/09/10 Teddy Bears’ Picnic - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve (Map ref. SU 505 098)
Bring along your favourite teddy for an unforgettable day out deep in the woods at Swanwick Lakes
05/10/10 Autumn Earth Walk - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve (Map ref. SU 505 098)
Come along to Swanwick Lakes and use your senses to explore the autumn woodland. There are plenty of smells, sounds, sights and touches to discover
26/10/10 Wild Camp - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve (Map ref. SU 505 098)
Enjoy a day outdoors learning some useful bushcraft skills. Build a shelter, light a fire safely and practise some green woodworking
27/10/10 Wild Camp - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve (Map ref. SU 505 098).
Enjoy a day outdoors learning some useful bushcraft skills. Build a shelter, light a fire safely and practise some green woodworking
29/10/10 Scary Spooks and Ghastly Ghouls - Swanwick Lakes (Map ref. SU 505 098)
Join reserve staff for spooky walk through Swanwick Lakes at night time. Celebrate Halloween in the dark, wild woods with stories and activities
02/11/10 Time to Go to Sleep - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve (Map ref. SU 505 098)
At this time of year, Swanwick Lakes is full of creatures looking for places to hibernate
04/11/10 Autumn Splendours - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve (Map ref. SU 505 098)
Join reserve staff for a guided walk to see the vibrant woodland colours of Swanwick Lakes in autumn
07/12/10 Stars, Trees, Robins and Reindeer - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve (Map ref. SU 505 098)
Come along to Swanwick Lakes to help us get ready for Christmas. Make some wildlife decorations and presents to take home
21/12/10 Yuletide Yarns - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife (Map ref. SU 505 098)
Come along to Swanwick Lakes for a session of stories, crafts and seasonal activities
