Location: Meet at Blashford Lakes Study Centre, Ringwood. To find Blashford Lakes drive up the A338 from Ringwood towards Fordingbridge. After about 2 miles there is a crossroads, turn right here (signed to Moyles Court) and the reserve entrance is the first on your right, after a short while.
Date and time: 10am-4pm Saturday 29 November.
Blashford Lakes is a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust reserve that has recently opened up new footpaths and hides for watching the many ducks and other water birds that winter here.
There is an abundance of water birds here. It is one of the few places in the New Forest area to see diving ducks such as Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck and even Goosander. Green Sandpipers winter here and can sometimes be seen on the muddy lake sides. Last year a Great White Egret, a Bittern and 3 Black-necked Grebes wintered here. All are scarce species, but will they return this winter? Overall a great place and one that is well worth exploring.
We shall be spending all day here looking for birds from the many hides situated around the reserve. Most of these look out over the lakes, but one does overlook a woodland glade where the birds are fed. You get incredibly good views of birds here and last year there was a flock of Brambling to watch! If time allows we may take the short drive up to Ibsley Bridge to see if the small flock of Bewick's Swans have arrived back yet.
Please bring your own packed lunch, which we shall eat in one of the hides.
There are toilet facilities at the Study Centre.
How to book: Please book in advance by contacting Project Fred on 01425 673321 or by emailing project.fred@virgin.net.
Cost: £12 (includes £1 donation to Hampshire Wildlife Trust).
Length of walk: Medium, about 4 kms along good footpaths.
What to bring: Binoculars if you have them. Walking boots are advisable. Please bring your own packed lunch.
Click here for other walks.
