Lakeside Nature Reserve

Lakeside Park This 20-hectare site lies in the heart of the Blackwater Valley on the borders of Surrey and Hampshire, west of the centre of Ash. Around 1900 it was typical of the many wet pasture and meadows alongside the River Blackwater. Gravel workings in the 1950s drastically altered the site, but formed the basis for today’s landscape, a complex of wet habitats including river, ponds, lakes, reed beds, orchid meadow and wet woodland. This mosaic provides an ideal situation for a range of species, some rare such as:

Hairy Dragonfly
Water Violet

and more common species including:

Bee Orchid
Ragged Robin
Common Blue butterflies
Bats

The site was purchased by Guildford Borough Council in 1984 for use as a public amenity. The land was restored, trees planted and a network of footpaths and the car park created. The BVCP have worked with the owners, and Surrey County Council, for over 20 years to carefully restore the site.

The site is currently undergoing some major improvements. A new car park was created last year by the entrance with a new footpath leading from it to the Blackwater Valley Path. Currently (early 2009) a number of trees and shrubs are being removed to open up the views from the entrance and around some of the fishing lakes. So please be careful of heavy machinery when you vist the site.

Access

The main access is from Lakeside Road in Ash. Grid ref: SU 886 518 where there is a free car park. Access is also possible by foot from the Blackwater Valley Path, between the Basingstoke Canal and Lakeside Road railway bridge.

Angling

Angling at Lakeside Angling is available on the two largest lakes. The
big lake has a varied contour with many varied swims, the general depth is around five feet. This lake is suitable for disabled anglers on some swims.

The big lake is stocked with:

Roach
Rudd
Gudgeon
Crucian Carp to 2.5lb
Carp to 18lb
Tench to 6lb
Bream to 5lb
Pike to 27lb
Perch.

The small lake contains:

Roach
Rudd
Crucian Carp
Carp
Tench
Perch
Bream
Silver Bream
Pike.

Further information

Telephone the General Enquiries, Parks and Countryside Division, Guildford Borough Council on 01483 444705
For angling contact the Hartley Wintney Angling Society
Visit our wildlife pages for more detailed information about the management of Lakeside Nature Reserve and other lakes and ponds
Obtain a free information leaflet containing details about nature trails around the site from us at the address below