Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve — Attraction in New Forest

I drove for nearly an hour to get there, to quietly enjoy the surroundings sat beside the various lakes...... Wrong. Firstly after wandering around for a while it became quickly apparent that access to any water’s edge was so totally restricted to the point, that not only could you not get near to the lakeside but could not even see the water’s edge with up to 3m high fences being deliberately engineered with greenery which not only denies physical access but removes any visible traces of the lakes from the landscape. Finally l made my way to the Info Centre to inquire where would be the best Lake/location to spend some waterside quiet time. But in short there is not anywhere... Because unless you are into fishing, bird watching, water skiing or sailing you won’t be getting anywhere near any waterside as mostly privately owned and profit driven, though l was directed to a small pond next to the water skiing lake that had a couple of benches you could sit on, but you’ve guessed it, when l got there the gates had been chained SHUT... I could have stayed and walked around the wooded areas but with narrow pathways thick undergrowth with a dense tree canopy it did not seem an inviting place without even any sort of small grassed areas to sit down and just relax. Don’t waste your time and effort to go there as there is little to see... Oh forgot maybe a few birds or wetsuits if your are into...

A nice nature reserve, with good footpaths and a number of hides. As someone more interested in wildlife photography than birdwatching, it was a real disappointment that the Woodland hide only has two opening windows. It would also be good to have more perching branches near the feeders, to enable more natural photos than just birds on feeders. But by far the biggest annoyance on the day I visited (23.2.23) was a guy sitting at one of the opening windows in the Woodland hide, constantly using his mobile phone. Not only receiving texts, but making and receiving calls, and holding loud conversations. I witnessed a number of people leave the hide because if it, and ask him to take his phone outside. He continued to use it, sometimes with his back to the window, disturbing everyone else, and stopping anyone else from using the viewing window. I imagine for most of the day. An absolute disgrace who should be banned from visiting...

Last time I am goin there. Not sure who givea money to charities like that. Baby bird was found on the grass by the sculpture of wooden animals near volunteers builiding. Left my phone in the car. My partner went to tell the blonde lady and she said she will call the rescue which is Moyle's court. Was standing like stupid waiitng for someone to come over. Other man bird watcher said leave it the mum will get the bird if we walk away You could see it had eyes closed and looked uncomfortable moving as ig had fits and trying to hide his head for warmth. I didn't touch. No one arrived. On the way back bird waa dead!!! Why lying that you will let someone know!! Why not just say oh it will die and is nature. Could have took the bird myself to the rescue even if it...