There is nothing dead about the Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve. We were surrounded by wildlife from the moment we arrived – butterflies fluttered around us, anemones dotted the banks and ducks floated past on the river.
Our visit had the feel of exploring an enchanted wood and we loved it.
Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve The Black Pond We had a picnic and did some pond dipping. Bordon Inclosure If you cross this bridge, you can walk to where the River Deadwater flows into the River Wey and then continue on to the Bordon Inclosure. Special Events! The Deadwater Valley Trust runs these two nature reserve and hold special events, like a rubber duck race, Junior Ranger events and a Woodland Fair. Please see the Deadwater Valley Trust website for further details. The Paths Finding Your Way From the car park, enter the reserve and turn right if you want to quickly reach the Black Pond or turn left if you want to walk along the River Deadwater.
The reserve runs along the River Deadwater and has a wild, atmospheric feel. There are trails to follow, bridges to cross, a large pond to dip in, and an ancient hillfort to discover called the Walldown Monument. 
If you follow the path downstream, keeping the river on your left, you come to a causeway of small logs that lead to Knox’s Pond, or as we call it, the Black Pond.
Trip trap over this makeshift bridge and you come to a mini-dam that has created the pond.
The Black Pond is beautiful. Almost black, it reflects the surrounding trees perfectly, at least it did until some curious ducks arrived and disturbed the water. 
If you follow the woodland nature trails upstream, keeping the River Deadwater on your right, you come to a bridge over the river. 
The Bordon Inclosure is a tranquil wooded area with a natural play area, brass rubbing posts and a boardwalk along the River Wey.
The paths were generally flat, dry and wide. The trail around Knox’s Pond was muddy in places. 
I used an all terrain buggy without any problems. There was one path that was blocked by a small log but I wheeled the buggy over the top.
The reserve is generally long and thin so you are never far from the River Deadwater. There is a handy Deadwater Valley Local Nature Reserve Map to guide your visit.
Visit the Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Bordon Opens: Daily Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours Parking: There is a car park next to the entrance. Wildlife You Might See: Birds, moths and butterflies, caterpillars, dragonflies, deer, snakes, lizards and ducks. Information Written: March 2017
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU35 0XF
Cost: Free
Facilities: Picnic area.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.
Cost of Parking: Free
Ratings
Our visit to the Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve in Bordonis summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
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