Testwood Lakes
Testwood Lakes is a 150 acre site owned by Southern Water and managed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. The reserve is an assortment of grassland, wet woodland, hedgerow and lake environments.
Click here for more on wildlife and landscape features.
How to get there
Testwood Lakes is situated 1½ miles from the centre of Totton. It forms part of the Test Valley - An area of international importance for wildlife. Download a map.
By car: From the M27 junction 2, take the A326 Fawley/Totton road and take the first exit, signposted Totton (A36). At the first roundabout, turn left into Brunel Road. Testwood lakes is situated 300m down on the left hand side.
Download the reserves leaflet.
Getting around
Pedestrian access: available from Hill Street, Brunel Road and the public footpath running from Salisbury Road (A36) to Mill Lane. After periods of heavy rain, some pathways may become flooded.
Rail: Totton station is 1½ miles from the reserve, with trains running there every hour from Southampton.
Bus: Bluestar No. 12 runs every half hour, Monday to Saturday and every hour on Sundays from Southampton calling at Testwood Crescent which is ½ mile from the reserve. Wilts & Dorset X7 runs hourly Monday to Saturday from Southampton to Testwood Crescent.
Parking: the car park is open every day from 8am to 6pm in the summer and from 8am to 4pm during the winter. The bird hides are open from 10am to 4pm.
Contact Information
For Centre staff, call on 02380 667929.
For all reserve issues, contact the reserve officer on 02380 424206.
Upcoming events
08/09/10 Wildlife Walk - Testwood Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 348 158)
Join us for a short walk to explore Testwood Lakes Wildlife Reserve. Learn about the history and management of the reserve and look for what's about in late summer
14/09/10 Summer Splashers Toddler Club at Testwood Lakes - Testwood Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 348 158)
"We're Going on a Bear Hunt", wildlife walks, games and stories for 2-4 year-olds
12/10/10 Winter Waddlers Toddler Club at Testwood Lakes - Testwood Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 348 158).
"Incy Wincy Spider", wildlife walks, games and stories for 2-4 year-olds. Bring your wellies and waterproofs
26/10/10 Goblin Wood - Testwood Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 348 158)
Dare to discover where the goblins dance and faeries fly in the wild at Testwood Lakes. How do these tiny creatures survive? Suitable for 4-7 year-olds
27/10/10 Woodland Wizards - Testwood Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 348 158).
Test your spell casting and potion making skills in the wild woods at Testwood Lakes. Suitable for 7-11 year-olds
28/10/10 Wild Family Day Out - Testwood Lakes Centre (Map ref: SU 348 158)
A great chance for families to spend the day together in a beautiful outdoor setting. Members of the Testwood Lakes Education Team will help you discover wildlife around you, build a shelter together and try basic firelighting skills
09/11/10 Winter Waddlers Toddler Club at Testwood Lakes - Testwood Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 348 158)
"The Nutty Nut Chase", wildlife walks, games and stories for 2-4 year-olds. Bring your wellies and waterproofs
28/11/10 World’s Biggest Bird Cake Record Attempt - Testwood Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 348 158).
Help Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust launch our 50th Anniversary celebrations by coming to see the Trust's attempt at making the world's biggest birdseed cake
14/12/10 Winter Waddlers Toddler Club at Testwood Lakes - Testwood Lakes Centre (Map ref. SU 348 158)
"Tremendous Trees", wildlife walks, games and stories for 2-4 year-olds
21/12/10 Chill Out Earthwalk - Testwood Lakes Wildlife Reserve (Map ref. SU 348 158)
Escape the Christmas crush and join Assistant Education Officer Helen Robinson on a quiet earthwalk around Testwood Lakes Wildlife Reserve
