Enjoy the Signs and Seats at the Water Meadow

One of the useful features of Ballard Water Meadow is that, among the woodland and on the water meadows, there is a range of lecterns. Many of these were designed and built by pupils at the nearby Arnewood School.

At each access point to the woods or meadows stands a board describing the area with reference to what is to be seen during each of the four seasons. Central to the display is a plan of the water meadows and wood, making a stroll around that much easier.

At regular points along the paths are smaller lecterns explaining the flora and fauna you should look out for. One shows the flowers to be seen, another the birds common to the area and so on. At the western entrance on Lake Grove Road is a further lectern showing a little about the background and history of Ballard Water Meadow.

Opposite this last display is another of the introductory displays, this time set into a signboard. This board is used to show the latest news from the Friends of Ballard Water Meadow - please keep an eye on this, and this website, for news on the continuing conservation efforts.

Not shown on the plans are the several benches now to be found around the water meadow. As reported previously, one is a new memorial bench and all the seats are placed so that visitors to the area can rest and take in the tranquility of their surroundings.

All these seats and lecterns have been installed by the Friends of Ballard Water Meadow and New Milton Town Council, who will be delighted for you to use them as they were intended.

We do ask, however, that you leave them in the condition in which you found them.