Ellingham Drove, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3PJ
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Source image
7.2
Wildland
Half day
Time
Donation
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.2Flooded gravel pits have become a large wetland refuge where lakes, woodland and grassland draw birds throughout the year.
The appeal here is the scale and variety: a 150-hectare patchwork of lakes, grassland and woodland, with bird hides and a substantial network of surfaced paths. It offers a proper nature-reserve visit rather than a quick lakeside stop, with wildlife interest that changes through the seasons.
Peaceful · Wild
Find your way
Open mapEllingham Drove, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3PJ
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The experience
Allow time to follow the surfaced paths and pause at the bird hides. The reserve’s wildlife changes with the seasons, so a visit is as much about watching and listening as covering ground.
Things to do
Watch for waterbirds
Spend time beside the lakes and look for the kingfisher, lapwing and oystercatcher highlighted by the reserve. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Visit a bird hide
Use the reserve’s bird hides for wildlife watching. Some hides have ramped access; check the reserve’s access notes for suitability, particularly for electric buggies.
Walk the surfaced paths
Explore the reserve’s reported 8 km of rolled-gravel paths through its lake, woodland and grassland landscape. Uneven gravel is present, so check access information if surface conditions matter to your visit.
Look for seasonal wildlife
The supplied research identifies overwintering birds, spring warblers and summer dragonflies as seasonal highlights.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow about 1–2 hours; this is an suggested visit length, not a published route duration.
Quick Escape: a short reserve visit
- 01
Check the reserve’s current access information and parking arrangements before setting out.
- 02
Choose an open section of the reserve’s surfaced paths and spend time watching from an accessible bird hide where suitable.
- 03
Keep an eye out for the birds identified by the reserve, including kingfisher, lapwing and oystercatcher.
Half day · Half day
Make a Half Day of It: paths, lakes and bird hides
- 01
Start from the main car park on Ellingham Drove, checking current access and car-park arrangements first.
- 02
Explore a section of the 8 km network of rolled-gravel paths, taking time at the bird hides.
- 03
Choose the pace around wildlife watching rather than trying to cover the whole reserve; the research describes the reserve as 150 hectares.
- 04
Check the reserve’s seasonal updates for current highlights before visiting.
Verified history
The reserve was created from flooded gravel pits. The supplied research describes the resulting landscape as a 150-hectare reserve of lakes, woodland and grassland.
Hidden details
A landscape made by gravel extraction — The lakes were formed from flooded gravel pits, a useful detail to keep in mind while walking through what is now a wetland reserve.
When to go
· Not specified in the supplied sources; check current conditions and reserve information.
The supplied research identifies overwintering birds in winter, warblers in spring and dragonflies in summer. Exact peak dates are not provided.
Check conditions before visiting. The supplied sources do not specify weather-related closures or seasonal path conditions.
What to look for
Look for kingfishers, lapwings and oystercatchers, named by the reserve as birds found here throughout the year. Seasonal highlights reported by the supplied research include wintering birds, spring warblers and summer dragonflies.
The story
Former gravel pits restored as a nature reserve.
Best time to go
Year-round; winter for overwintering birds, spring for warblers and summer for dragonflies.
Winter is highlighted for overwintering birds; spring for warblers and summer for dragonflies. Check the reserve’s current access information, especially if planning a Sunday visit.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Wildlife lovers · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9am-4:30pm
- Wednesday: 9am-4:30pm
- Thursday: 9am-4:30pm
- Friday: 9am-4:30pm
- Saturday: 9am-4:30pm
- Sunday: Closed
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A 150-hectare reserve managed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Entry is by donation; the suggested donation is £4. Check current access and facilities before visiting. The car parks and Education Centre are closed on Sundays, although the reserve remains open on foot.
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Parking
The main car park is on the north side of Ellingham Drove; Education Centre parking is on the south side. The main car park has a height barrier, with off-road parking outside it. Check current arrangements before travelling.
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Toilets
The source listing reports public toilets; confirm availability before visiting.
Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The reserve reports 8 km of rolled-gravel paths suitable for wheelchairs and electric buggies. Uneven gravel may make access more challenging; some hides are not suitable for electric buggies. Check current access details before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Donation
Water
Lakes
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
