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How it all began

Southern Aquatics was founded in April 1990 at our Christchurch Store by Andrew Battison. After five years or so building a successful aquatic store we decided to branch out and sell other pets. Our small pet department went from strength to strength, but could not realise its full potential in such a small space. In April 1998 our Creekmoor Poole Store was opened with a very large pet department. Our business at Poole expanded rapidly and we had to constantly take on additional staff to keep up with the expansion and strengthen our sales Team.

In 2006 we started to specialise in reptiles and amphibians as this was becoming a growing sector in the Pet Industry. In October 2008 we opened a store in Cadnam within the then site of Golden Acres Garden Centre and moved from our premises in Christchurch.
In both stores we place more emphasis on customer service than on self-service. Apart from the fantastic prices we offer in store, we have built a reputation on friendly, knowledgeable staff and excellent service. Whilst our staff’s ability, experience and qualification levels differ, all our staff have a passion for the pets that we sell, and the animals’ welfare is at the forefront of this.

Our Poole Store has a large selection of fish (tropical and pond), reptiles (including amphibians and invertebrates), birds and small animals. The Poole branch also has a large wild bird section to cater for all our garden visitors. We offer well stocked shelves and a great range of products to take care of all your animal needs. Why not visit Southern Aquatics Cadnam set in the heart of the New Forest just off the A31. Situated at Dobbies Garden Centre its a great morning and afternoon out. Our Cadnam store is smaller, but has a great range of tropical, marine, pond fish and reptiles. Now under New Management & Ownership we aim to grow and carry on Andrew’s Legacy.

Our Team

Wesley

Owner / Manager

I’ve had a passion for all animals my entire life. I started out with a keen interest in Aquatics and herpetology, studying at Sparsholt college. I have worked alongside animals my entire working life. I have hand-reared many animals from baby parrots to Kudo seahorses! Animals are my passion. As I have gotten older and seen the pet trade changing, I spend lots of my spare time helping out at animal rescue centres. I have owned many rescue dogs in my life, with the new addition of rescue rats currently in my care.

James

Owner / Manager

I have over 30 years in this trade with my speciality being all fish under the sun! I have earnt my diploma in ornamental fish management and obtained previous qualifications in Aquatic studies at Sparsholt college. I have vast knowledge on fish and also areas of herpetology. Any questions regarding fish care, I am here to help!

Ed

Stock Manager

I have been part of the Southern Aquatics team for over 15 years. I possess a degree in Marine Biology and a National Diploma in Aquatics and Ornamental Fish Management. I’m here to help with any questions you have regarding aquatics! Over the years, I have taken a preference to organising and managing the stock that comes in and out of our store. I’m the best person to speak to on specialist orders!

Lynn

Animal Manager

Lynn is the Reptile and Small Animal Manger. She looks after and orders most of our livestock. She is an all rounder with a great deal of knowledge in all areas.

Lex

Aquatic Technician

Hi my name is Lex. I’m the Aquatic Technician here at Southern Aquatics and Pets in Poole. The basic outline of my role is to ensure the health & well-being of all aquatic animals and to help customers best look after their wet pets. I’ve personally kept aquariums from a young age and have worked in the aquatic trade for the last three years. Currently studying Ichthyology and Marine Ecology, my aim is to ensure I’m able to help aquatic animals and in turn customers in the best way possible.

Tarina

Sales Advisor

My name is Tarina and I’m new to the team! I’ve always had a passion for animals. I’ve had animals all my life with fish, birds, rodents, so I have good knowledge of a variety of species. I also own a massive fish tank with lots of variety of fish, 2 dogs, 2 gerbils, and 3 rats! If you would like any help with anything, I’m always here to help. I’ll always try my best to help you with anything you need to know!

James

Sales Advisor

Hi I’m James, I have been working at southern aquatics for two years now and you can find me here on Saturdays and Mondays. A few years ago, I bought a bearded dragon from the shop and it started my interest. I luckily gained some work experience here which meant I could work with such a wide variety of species and get introduced to the animal industry. However, being with all these animals, (particularly reptiles) it started a bit of an obsession with exotic animals. From owning one beardie couple of years ago, I now own over 20 different animals! 12 months ago, I was lucky enough to become a member of staff. I now study animal management at Kingston Maurward college alongside working at the shop, boosting my knowledge even further. I specialise in reptiles as they are my passion, however I have broad range of knowledge of species so give me a shout in the shop if you have any questions or just want a chat!

Grant

Manager

I was one of those children from birth that had a connection & interest in nature. From an early age my bedroom was filled with various enclosures of insects, amphibians & fish. My passion is Aquatics and is the career path I’ve taken over the past 20 years.

Blu

Senior Sales Advisor

Due to my fathers obession with Tropical Fish, I was born into the hobby in the late 1950’s and have kept fish ever since. In 1992 I decided to make a career out of my passion and have spent the last 30 years in the Aquatics industry. I specialise in C/W, Tropical Fresh Water, Marine Fish, Pond and aquarium systems & filtration.

Rachel

Senior Sales Advisor

I have always enjoyed keeping animals from a very young age, making homes for bugs in the garden to keeping many different types of pets. I have kept fish, birds, furries but specalise in Reptiles, keeping and breeding many different species, with my favourite being dart frogs. I have been working with animals for over 30 years and will always enjoy caring for and learning new things about them.