Much of the area around Ellingham was once farmland and woodland , but since the 1950s sand and gravel extraction has created a series of lakes known collectively as Blashford Lakes .
The village and surrounding countryside are a large tourist attraction in the summer months .
Much of the area around tourist attraction was once farmland and woodland , but since the 1950s sand and gravel extraction has created a series of lakes known collectively as Blashford Lakes .
The village and surrounding countryside are a large tourist attraction in the summer months .