Winter 2006 Over the winter at Testwood Lakes Wildlife Reserve, a lot of maintenance work is being carried out. Worn-out fence posts and barbed wire are being replaced with new ones in the areas grazed by cattle. Coppicing has begun in the woodland areas and footpaths are being topped up with gravel to allow easier access for people out enjoying the reserve. The wild flower meadows have also been cut back - this looks a bit harsh but needs to be done to make them as beautiful as they are in the summer. Using some of the cut vegetation we have made habitat piles around the perimeters of these areas. These will provide habitat for the local wildlife and we have already seen lots of toads in them. In the next few weeks we are going start clearing out one of the ponds, getting rid of some of the overgrown vegetation. This will mean the pond is clean and easy to get at when the school groups start pond-dipping in the spring.
 | | Coppiced woodland |
The bird hide is well worth a visit at this time of year because lots of wildfowl use Meadow Lake. This includes birds like wigeon, teal, gadwall and tufted duck. Some of the volunteers try to get to the hide for an hour on volunteering days. Most days we see 25-30 different bird species, so it’s well worth a visit. As well as providing a good view of the birds, the hide has a series of identification charts to help you recognise what you’ve seen, and lists of birds seen recently, to give you an idea of what’s about. The hide is open from 10am to 4pm every day, and there is plenty to be seen on the way there in the hedgerows and grassland. Two bird species you might see are redwing and fieldfare. These fly from Scandinavia to spend the winter here, but have been a bit later in arriving this year, maybe because of the warmer weather. Both are often seen eating the red berries of hawthorn and wild rose, and as the hedgerows are full of berries this year, they won’t go hungry With the lakes and hedgerows full of life, now is the perfect time to get out for a winter walk around Testwood Lakes. Adam Wells (Friends of Testwood Lakes Volunteer) For more details on how to get involved in voluntary conservation work, contact Hampshire Wildlife Trust on 01489 774 400. | 
