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Ivy Lakes is a new Nature Reserve, that has only recently been created. Although we have not been birding here for long, we have still seen some impressive birds e.g. Great-white Egret.
Ivy Lake is positioned 2/3 miles north of Ringwood on the A338 and opposite Ibsley Waters. If visiting follow the signs for 'Ellingham Water Ski' and the reserve is on the left hand side of the entrance to the ski park.
In the area there is a large number of large lakes, opposite the entrance to Ivy Lake is Ibsley Water, a mile further down the road is Mockbeggar Lakes and backing on to Ivy Lake is Rockford Lake (these are the most popular) but the other lakes of Blashford HWT are still great for a variety of birds.
The main viewing hide looking over Ivy Lake in summer when some mud is exposed and waders reguarly visit.
There are plans for the 'Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust' to develop the area some more by converting Ibsley Water into a Nature Reserve with hides around it. Ibsley Water is good throughout the year and hosts a large variety of waterbirds during the winter months like Ruddy Duck and Goosander. Also Gulls such as Caspian and Yellow-legged occasionally put in appearances on the shingle banks. During the autumn months Ibsley attracts waders like Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper and Little Ringed Plover.
Mockbeggar Lakes is a bit quieter but attracts the regular Great-white Egret more often than other lakes. Large numbers of Grey Herons are also seen here. Smew has been recorded here in the past while Goosander are yearly visitors.
Ibsley Meadows across the River Avon attracts one of the only herds of Bewick's Swan in Hampshire with an average count of 14 or 15 yearly. Barnacle Geese, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Garganey, Curlew, Redshank, Scaup, Hobby, Garden Warbler, Peregrine and occasionally Osprey are sighted depending on time of year visiting.
