For my latest suggestion of places to go for a day out I’m going to turn to what I call the New Forest’s best kept secret – mainly because I’d never heard of it until a couple of years ago.
The lakes provide a number of habitats for birds, and the six hides (one in woodland and five overlooking different parts of the lakes) provide perfect spots for observing the wildlife – or just enjoying the tranquil views.
The hides are connected by well-maintained parks (8 km of them if you are planning to walk round the entire site) and there is open space suitable for picnics.
Don’t worry if you know nothing about birds – there are usually friendly and helpful birds-watchers who are happy to explain what you are seeing.
They may not even giggle (not out loud, anyway) if you ask “that one that looks like an emu – is that the heron?”, as my sister did. Though she did have a point – it was and it did.
Disclaimer: these details are (probably) correct at time of writing. Please check website before visiting for variations in opening times and for information on facilities provided.
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I've lived in Chandler's Ford and Eastleigh for most of my working life, with interspersed with a few years in north-west Hampshire (though remaining a regular visitor to the area).
I work in IT, and my hobbies include bell ringing, walking and cycling. I am also a self-confessed “born-again runner” having discovered parkrun in 2015.
I enjoy live theatre and music, and try to watch many of the shows that are performed in the Eastleigh area.
Great post, and lovely photos, Chippy. I’ve walked past Blashford Lakes a couple of times whilst doing the trek from Salisbury to Christchurch. Each time I’ve only had time to pause briefly, and I’ve thought I should return to spend a decent amount of time exploring. Your post has swung it for me – I’ll make it my destination next time, not just part of the route.
Blashford is one of my favourite bird watching places. The parking is very good and the information Centre has a loo. However, please be aware that the area where dogs are allowed is very limited (not at all on the north side where the main hides are). The second hide up on the north side of the site offers the best experience for viewing sand martins (during June and July) that I have seen anywhere – you feel that you are right in amongst them.
How many different birds did your sister spot? Did you win?
Apart from bird spotting, could you identify the birds by the sounds they make? I bet you understand bird’s speech.
I’m very limited in the birds I can identify by sound (and not much better at those I can identify by sight).
Great post, and lovely photos, Chippy. I’ve walked past Blashford Lakes a couple of times whilst doing the trek from Salisbury to Christchurch. Each time I’ve only had time to pause briefly, and I’ve thought I should return to spend a decent amount of time exploring. Your post has swung it for me – I’ll make it my destination next time, not just part of the route.
Blashford is one of my favourite bird watching places. The parking is very good and the information Centre has a loo. However, please be aware that the area where dogs are allowed is very limited (not at all on the north side where the main hides are). The second hide up on the north side of the site offers the best experience for viewing sand martins (during June and July) that I have seen anywhere – you feel that you are right in amongst them.
Not having a dog, this wasn’t a restriction I’d noticed. However, I will bear it in mind for future “places to go” posts.