Mansbridge Reservoir

This was probably a lovely place 30 years ago, with lilies and the occasional blue flash of a kingfisher. Now spoiled with the noise of the M27, low flying planes and rubbish left behind by grumpy anglers.

Peaceful, tranquil, birdsong, sunshine (not guaranteed though, sorry) good fishing spot apparently and the dog loves a run around it!
Easily accessible by foot from riverside park and there's a car park as well.

Grown up around this lake, slowly getting better as nature intended for the location and history of the Lake.
All good rounder not just for fishing and walks but outdoors camping... But please look after your surroundings and take rubbish to the bins provided!

Awful lot of lily pads which on the plus side were out in flower and lovely but also make fishing here impossible. Looks like somone is attempting to pull the weeds out and sort it. Only takes 5 mins to walk around it.

You access the car park near the traffic lights junction on Mansbridge Rd.
You can fish here, obviously with the relevant licence or sit and relax.
It does need some managing, the weed has taken over.
It’s near the airport so planes will be flying low overhead but there is plenty of wildlife to spot.
From here you can access the Itchen Navigation Canal & walk on up to Winchester or take an amble through the meadows.

This place really needs some attention. Had a visit there today for some fishing as it’s one of a handful of places that you can cast a line for free. Turned up to find that it’s been neglected by the younger generation. Burnt bins and burnt patches from bonfires surround the lakes banks. Over grown with weeds and the lake full of rubbish. There really needs to be some care and maintenance at this place as it could be such a lovely area. We can only hope this will change.

We often pass as we take the dogs for a walk by the Itchen. Lots of birds and interesting wildlife but, unfortunately, lots of litter too.

Great walk, swan pub nearby or follow the itchen navigation
Somebody has mentioned its a good place to swim. I wouldn't recommend it, sadly some undesirable people seem to enjoy throwing their discarded beer cans and other trash in. (We locals remove as much as we can) It's a great area to watch and be part of nature however there are protected species on site so please tread carefully.