Swanwick Lakes
Monthly Update
The rain has finally stopped this week and the sun is shining. Blue tits have been seen on our bird box camera and they appear to be investigating the box as a potential nest site. We will keep a close eye on them and post any updates on the website.
The hazel trees are covered in large yellow male catkins and are also sporting the much more inconspicuous, tiny, pink female flowers. New, green shoots are just starting to make an appearance on the woodland floor. Generally, it looks as though Swanwick Lakes is beginning to recover from a hard winter.
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 jot@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
13/03/10 Bushcraft - Knife Skills - Swanwick Lakes (Map ref. SU 505 098).
Join Wildlife Trust staff member Jamie Corry (Qualified NCFE Bushcraft Leader) on a bushcraft day focusing on knife skills
16/03/10 In the Nest - Swanwick Lakes (Map ref. SU 505 098).
A busy little bird is flying to and fro carrying twigs to the tree. What could she be doing?
07/04/10 Hatch Egg - Hatch! - Swanwick Lakes (Map ref. SU 505 098).
Join us for a session of crafts and activities related to birds, nests and eggs. An event for families.
20/04/10 A Seed in Need - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve, (Map ref. SU 505 098)
A session of seed related activities and plant a sunflower to take home with you.
18/05/10 Oscar and the Frog - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve (Map ref. SU 505 098).
Oscar is a curious kitten and when he goes to the pond he is full of questions about growing things. Luckily, frog can help him with the answers
28/05/10 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 bat activity using bat detectors
