ナースリングとローナムでののおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

It's called a lake, but it's in fact a reservoir, apparently able to store 270 million litres of water. It's one of the three lakes that make up Test Lakes Nature Reserve (the other lakes being Testwood Lake to the north and Meadow Lake to the north of that). In fact, this beautiful spot affords you beautiful views of both Little Testwood Lake and Testwood Lake. Worth stopping here to marvel at the natural world.

A very interesting Bronze Age roundhouse is to be found on the northern banks of Testwood Lake. When the reservoir here was being built, evidence of this Bronze Age site was found, including not just the roundhouse, but also a timber bridge and a part of a boat. Also, nearby, there is a very interesting log with wildlife carvings on it - rather pretty!

There are lovely views of the lake from its northern banks. Within the Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve, it abounds in wildlife (e.g. oystercatchers and lapwings). Easy paths lead to the banks - on a sunny day, it's great to sit on the grass for a bit of quiet.

Lower Test Nature Reserve is a mixed habitat of floodplain meadows, marshes and reedbeds, home to a diverse range of animal, plant and insect species. Crossing the marshes via the boardwalk, keep an eye and ear out for birds, including a number of different warblers. The summer months also bring an abundance of wildflowers.

Testwood Lakes is a lovely spot to visit when on foot, whether running or walking. The exit pathway to the north is overgrown at present. Not impassably, but getting through unscathed by brambles or stinging nettles is quite difficult right now (July 2016). Also, my runs have been interrupted by grazing cows being stubbornly unwilling to move.

Testwood Lakes form a stunning nature reserve with grassland, wetland and woodland habitats. Lapwings, oystercatchers, and great crested grebes roost on the lakes in spring. During the summer, clouds of brightly-coloured dragonflies and damselflies can be observed. You can see plenty more wildlife and plantlife, too. There are also bird hides dotted around.

Here you will find a seasonal display of beautiful blooming bluebells.

Testwood Lakes is a beautiful nature reserve located in Southampton. The reserve features a multitude of tranquil lakes and walking trails and is teeming with wonderful wildlife and birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the likes of the sand martin, great crested grebe, kingfisher, snipe, great white egret, little egret and Grey Heron.