There have been several updates at the Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve recently, including the installation of a brand-new wildlife garden; a tranquil space where visitors can unwind in nature. It’s also an accessible, wheelchair-friendly area that everyone can enjoy, and has been a true testament to partnership working. In addition, we’re already seeing some of our native species of wildlife using the space, which we hope to increase year on year as the reserve thrives.

Springtime is breeding season for frogs and toads, when they return to the body of water they were spawned so they can mate and lay eggs. Unfortunately, getting back can be difficult, but thankfully the team at Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve were on hand recently to help out.

Once a series of clay pits for the neighbouring Bursledon Brickworks, the now beautiful oasis of the Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve is abuzz with summer activity and successes from nature. The reserve, which sits alongside the NATS operational centre in Hampshire, is a partnership project between the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and NATS. Last year we celebrated three decades of working together at the site. And now as we are enjoying summer, we celebrate so many other achievements.

Springtime is always busy for us at the Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve. But there’s another milestone that’s marked at this time of year, the start of breeding season for our frogs and toads. However, sometimes they need a helping hand getting back to the body of water they’re trying to return to.

Jess Parsons is the Wilder Schools and Communities Officer for HIWWT at Swanwick Lakes. She has written a guest blog for NATS.

This month, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Swanwick Lakes partnership between NATS and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.