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In early 1983 John Walden accidentally discovered that some of the land which is now Blackland Lakes Holiday Centre was very wet. A trial excavation was carried out and immediately clean, drinkable, spring water poured in to the resulting hole. Digging, with an old fashioned drag line machine, continued for the rest of 1983 and the three lakes were constructed. It was established that the Spring Water had originations dating back some 2 million years to the Ice Age. The site is close to the Marlborough Downs and when the ice melted it brought chalk with it, the extremity of which is where our Lakes are today. As we dug formations of chalky rock were found (which was quite a problem!). This had leaf fossils which hadn't seen the light of day since prior to the Ice Age. The rock which was exposed is called "Tufa". The remaining 12 acres of land were subsequently drained and, as they are also level, they are just right for camping.
A wide variety of native coarse Fish were introduced which have thrived and over the years improvements have been made to the two main Fishing Lakes, including widening and increasing the depth. The third Lake is a nature reserve which is the home of a variety of ducks and geese. Kingfishers are residents as well as many other birds including Woodpeckers, Herons, Owls. Bats can be seen at dusk. In recent years we have received two nature conservation awards, one from the Wiltshire Trust for Nature, the CLA Conservation West Award and the other quite prestigious Professor David Bellamy Silver award for Nature Conservation. |
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Extensive landscaping has been carried out which includes the planting of hundreds of indigenous trees, bushes and hedges. Tarmac roads have been constructed together with a children's Play Area, a covered BBQ and a fenced perimeter Trail. Heddington Brook passes through the site and this has recently been widened to form a small interesting water feature including a dam. Successful flood prevention work has been carried out and this is no longer a problem.
It was established as a Campsite in 1984 and the first amenity log cabin type building was erected. A second amenity building and a Reception/Shop were added in 1989. The site is unique and special in many ways and has matured to become a most attractive, friendly and welcoming environment. Improvements are continually being made. | ||||
Blackland Lakes
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© Blackland Lakes, Calne, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, SN11 0NQ, Tel: 01249 810943, Fax: 01249 811346 | site by stellasoft
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