Testwood Lakes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Testwood Lakes |
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| Type | Nature reserve |
| Location | Southampton, Hampshire |
| OS grid | SU 347 155 |
| Area | 55 hectares (140 acres) |
| Managed by | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust |
Testwood Lakes is a special place for nature. It is a large nature reserve, about 55 hectares (136 acres) in size. You can find it on the edge of Southampton in Hampshire, England. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust helps to look after it.
Testwood Lakes has three main lakes. They are called Little Testwood Lake, Testwood Lake, and Meadow Lake. These lakes are owned by Southern Water. They help provide clean water for people living in Hampshire. There is also a visitor centre at the reserve where you can learn more.
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Boating Fun at Testwood Lakes
Testwood Lakes is a great spot for water activities! Since 2005, the lakes have been open for boating. These activities are managed by Eling Sea Scouts. Sea Scouts are a group of young people who learn about boating and water safety.
The boating season runs from March 1st to October 31st each year. This means you can enjoy boating during the warmer months. Scout troops and other approved youth groups can also rent the lake for their own water adventures.
The Sea Scout Headquarters
The 4th New Forest North (Eling) Sea Scout group has built a special building at Testwood Lakes. This building is their main base. It is where they plan and start all their exciting watersport activities.
What Can You Do at Testwood Lakes?
There are many things to see and do at Testwood Lakes! The Testwood Lakes Centre is usually open on most weekdays. It is also open on weekends during the summer. You can visit at other times during the week too.
Events and Activities for Everyone
The centre often holds guided walks. These walks help you explore the reserve with an expert. Many other fun events and activities happen all year round. The centre has a permanent exhibition. It teaches you about water, wildlife, and how to protect nature.
The centre welcomes schools and community groups. It also welcomes individual visitors. There is a classroom that can hold up to 60 children. There are also two rooms you can rent for events.
Fishing at Little Testwood Lake
If you like fishing, you can try coarse fishing at Little Testwood Lake. You need a special permit from the TVAC&SPS Angling club to fish here. The lake is quite deep, about 30 feet in the middle. It is home to many different types of fish. You might catch large bream, tench, pike, perch, roach, chub, and eels.
Amazing Birds at Testwood Lakes
Testwood Lakes is a fantastic place for birdwatching! More and more wildfowl (water birds) visit the lakes during the winter.
Types of Wildfowl You Might See
You can often spot many different kinds of ducks here. These include mallards, Eurasian teals, northern shovellers, tufted ducks, common pochards, gadwalls, and Eurasian wigeons.
Birds That Breed Here
Some birds even choose Testwood Lakes to raise their young. Eurasian oystercatchers have already had their babies here. People hope that northern lapwings and common redshanks will also start to breed at the lakes soon.
Plants and Flowers at Testwood Lakes
The plants that grow on the ground at Testwood Lakes are very special. One area called Alder Gully has many beautiful and interesting plants.
Flora You Can Discover
In Alder Gully, you might find plants like lesser spearwort. You can also see pretty bluebells and bright yellow pimpernels. Other plants include moschatel, red campion, and the tall, colourful foxglove.
