Leisure

Blashford Lakes

Blashford Lakes are located in the River Avon valley on the Dorset and Hampshire borders.

Sailing takes place on the lakes at Spinnaker Sailing Club, which offer both racing and family dinghy sailing. For more information about the club contact the administrator on 01425 483692 or via email theoffice@spinnakerclub.co.uk.

Water skiing and wakeboarding also take place at Ellingham Water Ski and Wakeboard Club, where visitors are welcome. For more information visit the club’s website at www.ellinghamwaterski.co.uk. Blashford Lakes near Ringwood and Otterhead Lakes, which are situated in Blackdown Hills, south of Taunton, are also available for fishing.

Blashford is open to members of the Christchurch Angling Club during the season. For more information visit the club’s website at www.christchurchac.org.uk

Otterhead is leased to Taunton Fly Fishing Club. For more information contact the club's secretary, John Connolly, on 01823 274272.

Walking

Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve is open daily from 9am-4.30pm except Christmas Day. There are six bird hides accessed by ramp, 8km of rolled gravel paths and mobility scooters can be borrowed by arrangement.

These paths link into the public footpath network, including the Avon Valley Long Distance footpath. Toilets and information are available in the Education Centre, which runs a public events programme and offers a variety of activities to schools, youth and community groups throughout the year.

Wildlife

Wildlife Woodland, lakes and a river attract a wide variety of wildlife throughout the year. In winter the reserve is home to up to 5,000 wildfowl, including over 100 goosander and up to 30 golden eye.

Bittern are frequently seen as are large numbers of woodland birds including brambling, redpoll and siskin. During the summer kingfisher, sandmartin and common tern nest on the reserve and 25 species of dragonfly have been recorded.

Find us

Blashford Lakes visitors centre - BH24 3PJ

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