Outdoor activities at Billy’s Lake

Outdoor Activites at Billy’s Lake

Public green spaces like Billy’s Lake allow people to reconnect with nature. Looking for a breath of fresh air? Bring the family and spend a little ‘outdoor quality time’ together! With a little imagination, there’s plenty to do, and if you’re really keen, why not join our team of Volunteers?

During the school holidays we run children’s activities at Billy’s Lake. These are open to children living in Wecock Farm and are FREE! You can sign up for these at reception in the Acorn Centre.

Looking for inspiration? Check out the following websites for nature-based activities.

The Woodland Trust
Billy’s Lake isn’t a Woodland Trust location, but their website nevertheless has lots of ideas for outdoor activities, whether you’re solo exploring or having a day out with the family. For example:
- Nature Detectives – Activity sheets for all age groups
- Nature’s Calendar – Help the Woodland Trust by recording plants, animals and fungi that you see in the woods.
- Things to Do in the Woods, season-by-season
- British Trees App – Download it to your phone and have fun identifying the trees at Billy’s Lake!
The National Trust
Check out their ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activity list – become a Nature Explorer!
The RSPB
Check out the RSPB’s Fun & Learning page for loads of ideas and resources to help kids and families connect with nature,

Walking

There’s a new, all-weather footpath to the lakeside from the car park adjacent to Hambledon Road. And there’s also a path along the southern bank, offering pleasant views over the lake.

Dog Walking

Billy’s Lake is popular with dog walkers. Please remember to clean up after your dog.

Fishing

Public fishing is available. See our Fishing page for more details.

Den Building

Have fun building your own den from fallen branches – there are plenty to be found on the ground in the woods!

But please remember – don’t damage any trees, and don’t take logs or branches from designated wildlife log pile habitats, which are marked with signboards.

Wildlife spotting

There’s all sorts of wildlife to spot at Billy’s Lake – fish, water-dwelling birds, woodland birds, butterflies, bugs – and in the twilight hours, you might even see foxes, badgers, owls, bats, moths, and maybe even a deer!

Pond Dipping

The lake is teeming with wildlife – bring a net, dip it into the shallows around the lake edge and see what comes out!

Do please ensure that children are accompanied by a responsible adult, and don’t be tempted to wade into the water – it’s very cold, the lake bed is very soft and silty and there are underwater obstacles such as fallen branches, all of which are potentially dangerous. There are clear signs that prohibit swimming or bathing in the lake for these reasons.

And remember – please return anything you’ve caught to the water, once you’ve had a good look at it!

Art

Take a seat and try your hand at sketching or painting!

Photography

Got a camera? (Your phone will do!) Try some arty close-ups.

If you are interested in helping out, or you would like more information on Billy’s Lake, please contact the conservation officer, Lillian Wakely tel. 02392-258423.