Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserve — Attraction in Test Valley

Lovely walk around the edges of the nature reserve. I started at the Plaza Theatre and walked up the barge canal path as far as going under the road, then continued walking north with the reserve stretching to the west. The muddy paths of winter time had dried out sufficiently now (late March) not to need boots, just strong walking shoes. I'm not a bird watcher, but in recent weeks even I've spotted a kingfisher lookin for fish, and a white egret. After a kilometre or so, I turned west across the reserve, and walked on past the path south to the bird hides by the lake. After a short walk through a wood you come to the Fish lake, a man-made (probably Saxon) stream that takes water from the river Test direct to the centre of Romsey. I followed the Fishlake south , crossing over a footbridge, and came out on the Stockbridge Road by the World of Water with refreshment stop. Then across their carpark to the south east and back to the Fishlake going south, emerging on Fishlake Meadows Road. I wandered through the industrial estate, then cut west towards Greatbridge, then past Romsey School to the main river Test and south to Holman Drive, Mill Lane and the...

Definitely a place to return to. Amazing to walk from the almost hidden car park round the back of the housing estate to the screens overlooking the lake and be surrounded by common darters, southern hawkers, azure damsels, large egrets, swans, peacocks, red admirals and perhaps a few others that preferred not to be photographed. Many dogs and dog walkers, also many blackberries! It is worth knowing to bring wellies as a few of the paths are still 20240809 a bit soggy. The screens have no seats just so you know so if you were expecting to sit and chill watching birds, you'll need to bring your own. Likewise, whilst the screens have done lovely bird id sheets on then the wood is a bit flimsy so take care when leaning out to take photographs. No bins, so take...

It’s not only a lovely, peaceful walk alone, with family & friends or just your dog but lots of nature & animals especially birds & fish in their natural habitat. I immediately heard a woodpecker upon entry & shortly after cuckoos! Which is amazing to hear as don’t hear very often. I could only walk a short way (45mins one way) & there was one bench, so I’m hoping there’s more along the way. The only downside is no bins, not even at the start of the walk or in the car park. But nevertheless well...