Anyone been to Langford Lakes?

[Nick1976]

Have just 'discovered' this nature reserve on google, and wondered what its like for bird-watching?

[Frampton 25]

Have just 'discovered' this nature reserve on google, and wondered what its like for bird-watching?

This is a newish Wiltshire Wildlife reserve, we go there about once a month.

There are three lakes, each overlooked by at least one hide. There's usually a reasonable selection of birds around, and is one of the most reliable sites I know for seeing Kingfishers. There's not often a rarity there, but a Bittern has wintered, you get a good selection of spring migrants as well.

There's plenty of parking spaces, and there are toilets on site, all very civilised. It does tend to attract families, so noisy kids in the hides can be annoying.

A better birding site relatively nearby is the Blashford Lakes complex between Fordingbridge and Ringwood. The hides are nowhere nearly as good as at Langford, but the birding is much, much better. The comment about kids also applies at Blashford!

[Nick1976]

Ta for the info. Re: kids is it quieter during the week? I've only got the map off the net, how long are the paths to walk? Can you walk the fishermens paths?

We're nearer Pewsey (above Salisbury Plain) so Blashford might be a bit far, but good to know about.

[Frampton 25]

Ta for the info. Re: kids is it quieter during the week? I've only got the map off the net, how long are the paths to walk? Can you walk the fishermens paths?

We're nearer Pewsey (above Salisbury Plain) so Blashford might be a bit far, but good to know about.

Quite the opposite, the reserve is popular with school parties in the week!

The paths are not that long, are well surfaced, and are level. The hides have ramped access.

You can't walk the fishermen's paths.