Swanwick Lakes
Monthly Update
There are now 10 ducklings on Centre Lake, 6 teenage ones and 4 small ones. All of the others have now either succumbed to predators or moved to the further lakes. We have seen three Little Grebes on Ben's Lake. A pair of Canada Geese has taken up the role of bully on Centre Lake although the male Mallards and the Heron have given them a frosty reception. Baby rabbits are regularly seen by the bird feeders. The oak trees are now fully in leaf and bluebells are flowering in East Wood. Swanwick is the place to come to for wildlife character this month.
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
08/07/09 Walk at Swanwick Wildlife Reserve - Swanwick Lakes (Map ref. SU 505 098).
Join Jo Trotter, Education Officer, on a guided walk around the woodland and lakes at the reserve.
14/07/09 Two Tiny Mice - Swanwick Lakes (Map ref. SU 505 098)
Two tiny mice go out and explore the countryside. Along the way they meet lots of exciting animals ranging from kingfishers to goats. Who will we find when we go exploring Swanwick Lakes Reserve?
21/07/09 Sights and Sounds of Summer - Swanwick Lakes (Map ref. SU 505 098)
Enjoy a ramble around Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve with Trust staff, looking for butterflies and dragonflies
28/07/09 Drop in and Dip - Swanwick Lakes (Map ref. SU 505 098).
Drop in any time and see what marvellous creatures you can find hiding in the depths of our pond at Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve.
29/07/09 Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! - Swanwick Lakes
Come and be a bee on our pollen trail and discover all about insects and the important jobs that they do in our flowery meadows.
31/07/09 Bushcraft Skills for 16 year olds and over - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve
Join Wildlife Trust staff member Jamie Corry for an unforgettable day learning and honing your survival skills. Refreshments, basic lunch and all tools and materials are provided.
19/08/09 Fire Lighting and Shelter-Building for 13-19 year olds - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve
Fire Lighting and Shelter-Building for 13-19 year olds
03/09/09 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
03/09/09 Last of the Summer Wine - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve (Map ref. SU 505 098).
Join reserve staff to witness the glorious end of summer at Swanwick Lakes. Come along for gentle guided stroll through our beautiful reserve at the turn of the season
08/09/09 Marvellous Mixtures and Clever Colours - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve (Map ref. SU 505 098).
Use your senses to explore splendid Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve
20/10/09 Has Anyone Seen My Hedgehog? - Swanwick Lakes Wildlife Reserve
Do you know where he might be? He is small, brown and spiky and he is probably looking for somewhere to hide.
01/11/09 Know your Fungi - Swanwick Wildlife Reserve (Map ref.SU 893 549)
Join local naturalist Phil Budd to learn about the natural history and identification of fungi on the Swanwick Lakes wildlife reserve
14/11/09 Photographing Fungi - Swanwick Wildlife Reserve (Map ref.SU 893 549)
With the fungi season in full swing, this is a great opportunity to make sure you can capture those magical images on your digital camera
28/11/09 Working with Living Willow - Swanwick Wildlife Reserve (Map ref.SU 893 549)
Spend a day learning how to build living willow structures such as arbours, tunnels, etc. Angela Morley, horticulturist and artist, works with willow throughout the seasons
