Longham Lakes
These two pretty lakes near Ferndown have a nice walking trail to try. The area is a popular bird watching site with a wide variety of birds to look out for on the water. These include Black-necked Grebe, Garganey, Pintail, Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck, Little Gull and Yellow-legged Gull. It's a really peaceful spot, ideal for an easy afternoon stroll.
You can park at the Haskins Garden Centre just to the north east of the lakes. Then follow Green Lane to the reserve. After your walk you can enjoy refreshments at the garden centre cafe.
The Ferndown, Stour and Forest Trail and the Stour Valley Way both run past the site so you could extend your walk by picking up the riverside path. Heading east will take you past Bournemouth into Christchurch.
Postcode
BH22 9AB - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsLongham Lakes Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Longham Lakes Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Longham Lakes OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Longham Lakes Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Just to the north east of the lakes there's Longham village where you can visit the White Hart for some refreshments. The interior has lots of rustic charm, with low-beamed ceilings and an open fireplace creating a traditional pub ambience. They are well known for their delicious homemade pies. You can find them at postcode BH22 9AB for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The reserve is a nice place for a dog walk. Please keep them on leads. The White Hart mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
The northerly of two raw water reservoirs, which together hold 1000 million litres of water. It is also used for fishing and is a good place to see wildfowl. Previously this was a sand and gravel pit.
This island on the southerly of the two reservoirs, will provide a quieter place for birds away from the joggers and dog walkers.
Study Centre, Longham Lakes. This newly built study centre, includes facilities for fishermen. The building to the left is a pumping house.
The southerly of the two reservoirs. In summer, the lakes are surrounded by rushes and reeds with wild flowers
A view of the River Stour which runs to the south of the reserve.
The White Hart at Longham Dorset