Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve

Tuesday 16th September 2025

There were fewer of us today for a variety of different reasons, you were all missed and hopefully you are back with us soon. Having met at the carpark, we then walked to the Goosander Hide. We were all badly let down by myself by forgetting to pack several pairs of binoculars. I promise to be better prepared on our next visit.

The rain stayed away as we walked. We all commented on the increase of water in the river after our recent rainfalls, agreeing it was indeed a pleasant sight. The hide was empty, extremely peaceful and after a short while observing the birds, we ventured back to the car park.

Our coffee/tea and cake were enjoyed today at Hockey's Farm Cafe and a huge thanks to all the staff who made us very welcome. Once again, the cakes were delicious and we all enjoyed the stories that were being shared around the table. Lots of funny tales were told.

Having not been to the coast for a wee while now, our plan is to see some sea on our next walk on 30th September. Hopefully there are a few more of us when we head to the beach.

 Walking at Lady's Mile on Tuesday 2nd September 2025

We were so lucky to enjoy a lovely walk and miss the rain. Lady's Mile was a perfect location, knowing we had some shelter in the woods if the rain did arrive. All of us agreed that getting out and walking was a real tonic after a few days of inclement weather which kept us indoors. Our walk was possibly a wee bit longer, as we made the most of the dry, warm  weather.

 We rounded off our afternoon with delicious cake and drinks, this afternoon we met at The Potting Shed.  As usual, the staff were wonderful and extremely helpful, always very much appeciated.

 Castleman Trailway on Tuesday 19th August 2025

We met at the car park and had a lovely stroll along Castleman Trailway towards Ringwood. With plenty of shade, it was a perfect location on what potentially could have been a very warm day. We split into a couple of groups as some of us wanted to walk a bit further, and we did, then we met back at our cars. The trailway wasnt too busy however we did pass several cyclists, dog walkers and others walking like us...indeed a perfect day to be out.

A short drive away at The Lantern, we all enjoyed our usual coffee/tea and cake. The staff were so helpful and really couldn't have done any more for us. With a lovely selection of cake, we rounded off a very pleasant afternoon in good company and lots of talking/listening to each other.

 Lady's Mile in the New Forest on Tuesday 5th August 2025

What a lovely afternon we had walking along Lady's Mile on the Forest. The weather and company were both great and we managed to spot a few ponies too....always a bonus. We had a new member yesterday and thankfully he had such a good time, he has decided to become a regular. Fabulous!!

 After a lovely walk both in the sunshine and the shade, we headed to The Pantry Barn at Breamore House where we  were very well looked after by the lovely staff. The cakes were delicious and as always, a lovely way to round off another pleasant Tuesday afternoon.

We were a few people missing yesterday due to different issues, everything crossed we are back to our full quota on our next walk on 19th August.

 Summer Outing to Longdown Activity Farm, Ashurst on 17th June 2025

 

What a fabulous day we had this week on our summer outing. The owners of Longdown Activity Farm in Ashurst, Bryan and Dawn Pass, very kindly invited us to join them on a tour of the farm, meet and feed some animals and even have a tractor ride. It was an offer we couldn’t refuse. We were astounded by their generosity when they said there would be no entrance charge for our group. Bryan and Dawn, thank you both for extending such generosity and Farmer Bryan, we really appreciated your guided tours also. So we all gathered at the car park by 12.15, ready for the day ahead.

 

Our treasurer, Andy Wilson, secured a grant from T.H. Russell Charitable Trust which enabled us to have lunch and a cake break late afternoon and also some essential training for all of our volunteers. The delicious food was provided by The Cottage Loaf, Fordingbridge. Another thank you to Mike Penton for listening to our dietary  requests and ensuring a delicious selection of food was enjoyed by all of us. I will have to add that the drinks we appreciated on such a hot day were also courtesy of Bryan and Dawn. Your hospitality was amazing and greatly appreciated by every one of the thirteen of us. What's more the two members of staff in the tea room, Alice and Steph, really went out of their way to accommodate us in lots of lovely ways. Thank you very much.

               

    We had lunch on our arrival then strolled around the farm meeting guinea pigs, a large tortoise, goats, chickens and then headed for our tractor ride. Steve, our driver, was very skilled and although it was a wee bit bumpy, none of us experienced any travel sickness. Thank you for your assistance in and out of the trailer, Steve, and of course your careful driving....very much appreciated.

       
  

     

  

Afterwards, Bryan took us to the Animal Encounter shed where we were fortunate enough to be able to hold a little chick and later pat a guinea pig, this time only one between two. It was then time to feed the kid goats which was an experience some of us had never had before or if we had, it had been quite a while ago.

Fast approaching 3pm, it was definitely time for tea/coffee/soft drink and a delicious piece of cake to round off a wonderful afternoon.

We cannot thank Bryan and Dawn and T.H.Rusell Charitable trust enough for allowing us to have a splendid summer outing without any cost. We all left knowing how fortunate we are in so many ways being able to enjoy such a wonderful experience courtesy of other people's generosity. THANK YOU.