In search of the willow warbler? Cotswold Lakes Trust’s guide points the way
Have you ever wondered what a willow warbler looks like? Or searched in vain for a glow worm?
Look no further – Cotswold Water Park is a haven for wildlife, and Cotswold Lakes Trust has just produced a guide to its six main nature reserves and the delights visitors might find there.
The Water Park is a network of 180 lakes stretching across 42 square miles, from South Cerney in the north and Somerford Keynes in the west, to Cricklade in the south and Lechlade in the east. Since its creation in the post-war period, it has become a haven for wildlife and is also arguably one of the best-kept secrets in the UK.
It is now home to tens of thousands of water birds, water voles and otters, bitterns, marsh harriers, curlews and nightingales, Daubenton’s bats and the largest population of snake’s-head fritillary in Britain – to name but a few.
The new nature reserve guide has been compiled by Cotswold Lakes Trust, which plays a major role in the environmental welfare of the water park. The aim, says Ben Welbourn, operations manager of Cotswold Lakes Trust, is to let people know where to go and what they might find – including car parks, footpaths and directions.
He points out that the Cotswold Water Park is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the South-West and an important wetland corridor.
‘It is internationally important for wintering wildfowl: up to 200 species of bird visit each year. It is home to 14 out of 18 UK species of bat, and six of its wildflower meadows are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg,’ he says.
Executive chairman of Cotswold Lakes Trust Paul Hazel thanked The Hills Group for funding the design of the guide, and Cotswold Lakes Trust members for additional match funds raised through an appeal.
Group director for Hills Quarry Products, Peter Andrew, says, ‘The Hills Group has been operating in the Cotswold Water Park area for over 100 years and has created many of the lakes and wonderful habitats you see in this area today. We are proud to support Cotswold Lakes Trust in the projects they undertake to enhance biodiversity and community engagement.’
The Nature Reserve Guide can be found online at cotswoldlakestrust.org/our-sites
Cotswold Lakes Trust is based in Down Ampney, and is governed by a Board of Trustees (all volunteers) who oversee the work of a small team of just seven staff, assisted by loyal volunteers. It receives no core funding from central or local government and relies heavily on donations.
About Cotswold Water Park
- Cotswold Water Park is a network of more than 180 lakes in an area of 42 square miles, stretching roughly from South Cerney in the north, Somerford Keynes in the west, Cricklade in the south and Lechlade in the east.
- It has become a unique wetland landscape created after 60 years of intensive gravel extraction.
- The lakes offer a huge diversity of habitats for birds, mammals, fish and insects, plus extensive leisure opportunities for its 20,000 residents and one million annual visitors.
- In 2021 it was recognised nationally as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
- The Park straddles three counties (Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire) and four local authorities.
- Within it are several environmental charities and many commercial organisations including corporate, small and medium-sized businesses. None but Cotswold Lakes Trust are dedicated to the Cotswold Water Park alone.
