Our Lake and The Environment

We are very lucky to sail, kayak, paddleboard and windsurf on the beautiful Blashford Lake, situated on the edge of the New Forest National Park our lake and grounds sit within the Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, while the lake itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Ramsar designated.

The reason the lake and surrounding area holds these designations is due to the unusual composition of nutrients in our water, and the numerous waterfowl and ground nesting birds which makes the Blashford Lakes area their homes. On our lake alone we have nesting Common Terns and Mediterranean Black Headed Guls (both protected species) alongside breeding Canadian Geese and Swans! However, there is also some problematic wildlife in the form of Non-Native Invasive Species such as Nuttall's Pond Weed which is prevalent in the lake. The environment as we see it today is man made (the lake was originally a gravel pit) and has been managed to become the environment it is today. The recreational use of the Blashford Lakes area pre-dates it's wildlife designations, and as such is managed to enable the continued use of the water for recreational purposes, and promote the wildlife.

Spinnaker Sailing Club works in conjunction with our landlords Wessex Water, The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (who manage the Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve), Natural England and Christchurch Angling Club (who also lease the lake from Wessex Water). Together we put in place the strategies to manage the lake, considering how it impacts all the stakeholders. Some examples of the projects we have worked on together include the clearance of the overgrown islands to improve their potential as nesting sites while also improving the windflow over the lake, the long term management of the invasive weed and managing the trees around the lake where they have begun to pose a danger.

All users of Spinnaker Sailing Club can help us in preserving and managing our environment by:

• Following the Check, Clean, Dry Guidance for washing equipment before it leaves the grounds of Spinnaker Sailing Club
• Putting all litter and waste in the bins provided
• Bringing a reusable water bottle/thermal mug for drinks
• Respecting the local wildlife and not unnecessarily disturbing the birds

For more information about our local environment you can look on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust website here.

Last updated 09:42 on 20 December 2023