Back to the lakes

I revisited Testwood Lakes just outside Southampton this afternoon, one of my favourite haunts, especially when I feel the need for exercise which is not going to be stressful.
These are a series of three lakes which were built by Southern Water created from old gravel pits, some years ago, and form both a wildlife nature reserve and reservoirs to supply drinking water for parts of Southampton, Totton and the Isle of Wight.
The smaller lake is a reservoir to store 270 million litres of water which is pumped from the River Test when water flows are high enough. A conical pumping house moves water between the two lakes.
The largest lake has sailing facilities for local SeaScouts and a circular walk.  Thousands of trees and shrubs have been planted around the lakes to encourage wildlife.
The third lake is a haven for wildlife and provides a perfect wetland for wading birds like palwing and snipe to nest in the spring and summer.  In the autumn and winter you'll see a wide range of wildfowl feeding on the lakes, including teal, widgeon and mallard. 
I enjoy the lakes because not only do they provide an area of beauty, but from the main car park, a footpath loops round two of the lakes, and which is a favourite for calorie-burning walking round the lakes' periphery.
When summer is in full swing I try to get there three or four times a week, and always pause to see what birdlife is evident in the wetlands area.

The whole complex is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and I believe is one of the South Coast’s greatest natural resources.