River Blackwater (River Loddon) - Blackwater Valley

Blackwater Valley

The River Blackwater runs down the centre of the Blackwater Valley, which is maintained as an open space along the borders of the 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. The Loddon eventually flows into the River Thames near Reading.

Although surrounded by urban development the Valley provides an important green corridor for local residents. 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. The local planning authorities covering the Valley have designated 31 other areas as ‘Wildlife Sites’. As a result of an improvement programme, wildlife is returning, including the Otter which has been absent for over 40 years, fishing stocks are improving and the construction of the long distance riverside path has opened up much of the riverbank.

A cycle route runs alongside the River Blackwater for most of its length. There is a running club named Blackwater Valley Runners who run there regularly.