About Blackwater Valley Countryside

The Blackwater Valley in Aldershot Hampshire is maintained as an open space along the borders of the English counties of Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey. It runs for approximately 30 km, from the
source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve near Aldershot in the south, northwards to Swallowfield where the river joins the River Whitewater and then the Loddon. Despite being surrounded by urban development the Valley provides an important green corridor for local residents. A riverside path follows the River Blackwater through woodland and flower rich meadows, linking a wide variety of nature reserves and country parks. Sections of the path have been designated multi-user sections and are suitable for wheelchairs. As well as the Blackwater Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a small part of the Basingstoke Canal SSSI, three nature reserves within the Valley catchment and many other areas have been recognised for their ecological importance. There are also many recreational facilities including:watersports, angling, cycling, golf and horse riding.