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Similar Farlington Marshes, Dark Water, Eyeworth Pond, Portsmouth and Arundel, Blashford Lakes Nature R | ||
Testwood Lakes (grid reference SU348153) is the name used to refer to a group of three lakes near the River Test on the northwest edge of Southampton, Hampshire, England. The lakes were built by Southern Water to provide drinking water for the Southampton area. The three lakes are called: Little Testwood Lake (completed in 1997), Testwood Lake (completed in 2002) and Meadow Lake. There is a visitor centre at the site.
Contents
- Map of Testwood Lake Southampton UK
- Sea ScoutsEdit
- Local Football team building worksEdit
- Nature conservation and recreationEdit
- Events and activitiesEdit
- WildfowlEdit
- FloraEdit
- References
Map of Testwood Lake, Southampton, UK
Sea ScoutsEdit
The lake was opened for boating activities managed by Eling Sea Scouts late summer 2005, the current boating licence runs between 1 March to 31 October. The lake is available for hire to scout troops and other recognised youth groups. Testwood Lakes will also host the annual Solent Scout Regatta with Canoe and Pulling Races.
The 4th New Forest North (Eling) Sea Scout group has built a new headquarters building alongside Testwood Lakes. The lake is their base for watersport activities.
Local Football team building worksEdit
In October 2009 there was early clearing in readiness for the building of the new location of Totton's two football teams Totton & Eling and A.F.C. Totton. During the month of May the first seeding of the new football pitches had begun.
Nature, conservation and recreationEdit
Southern Water is working in partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust at the site to manage the nature, conservation and recreational aspects of Testwood Lakes.
Events and activitiesEdit
The Testwood Lakes Centre is open to the public most week days and weekends in the summer and at various times during the week. Guided walks, events and activities take place throughout the year. The Centre, which has a permanent exhibition featuring themes of water, wildlife and conservation is open to schools, community groups and individuals, with facilities such as a well-equipped classroom for up to 60 children and two function rooms available for hire.
WildfowlEdit
The Lakes are attracting increasing numbers of wildfowl during the winter, including mallard, Eurasian teal, northern shoveller, tufted duck, common pochard, gadwall and Eurasian wigeon. Eurasian oystercatcher have already bred and it is hoped that northern lapwing and common redshank will too.
FloraEdit
The ground flora of Alder Gully is very rich including lesser spearwort, bluebell, yellow pimpernel, moschatel, red campion and foxglove.