Celandine at Clattinger Meadow © Barney Wilczak

A brand new display of stunning photographs can be seen at the Gateway Information Centre, all themed on the subject of wildflowers from a local nature reserve, from Friday April 26th.

These grasslands are one of the UK’s most biodiverse habitats, and award winning photographer and author Barney Wilczak has spent three years in capturing the seasons and species at what is considered to be one of the finest meadows in the UK, Clattinger Farm, near Somerford Keynes.

Traditional farming, without a plough touching these fields, has resulted in a habitat supporting over 180 plant species. Spectacular varieties abound including snakes head fritillaries, adders tongue fern and thousands of orchids. Seed from the site is even being used to establish new meadows in the area.
Unfortunately, Clattinger farm is a rarity. These once common meadows have been reduced throughout Western Europe by intensive farming practices with less than 60 square miles in total across the UK; a loss of 98% since the Second World War.
Sensitive farming and strict protection has enabled this wonderful habitat to continue to thrive and will be there for future generations to enjoy (The site is managed by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust).

Nightingale © Kim Milsom

Nightingales return !

The first nightingale has arrived here in the Cotswold Water Park, on its long journey from Africa – and true to form was singing at the top of his voice during mid morning today!

Whilst much of the south- west of England has seen long-term and widespread declines, the Cotswold Water Park is sustaining its population of Nightingales. A superb total of 20 singing males were recorded in the CWP in 2012 and the good news is that the population appears self-sustaining and stable in the long term, the most likely reasons likely being the availability of widespread suitable nesting habitat and a high abundance of invertebrate food availability.
The CWP provides a massive network of dense hedgerows and scrub of the appropriate age and structure suitable for nesting Nightingales; as nesting sites become too old or unsuitable, new nesting sites become available and are colonised, thereby ensuring that suitable sites are always available, so long as new sites are available.

The Cotswold Water Park Trust is working with a number of local landowners to ensure that current sites are appropriately managed, whilst new sites are created and managed for nesting in future.  This survey work confirms that the CWP remains one of the most important locations for breeding Nightingales in Britain. It is hoped that the work of the Cotswold Water Park Trust and local landowners ensures this continues for many years to come.

If you have not visited Riverside Park in Lechlade recently (and why would you, it has been under water for the best part of the winter! ) then you are in for a surprise.

Thanks to a grant from Natural England, and support from the Thames Path National Trail, the team from the Cotswold Water Park Trust have been improving the car park, signage and other facilities around this beautiful peaceful park, on the banks of the infant River Thames.

The car park has been completely resurfaced, with marked out bays, planted islands, and clearly designated disabled parking.  New wooden entrance signs have been installed, and a screen has been erected for the unsightly but essential rubbish skip ( previously a real eyesore).

Tree safety works and scrub clearance has been undertaken by the ranger team around the old toilet block area, but perhaps more interesting is that all the hedgerows in the park have now been paid in the traditional manner to encourage stronger and thicker growth, to create a habitat for nesting birds.

Four new interpretation panels have been commissioned and installed, identifying two lovely walks along the Thames Path National Trail, and into the delightful town of Lechlade itself, along with some interesting facts about the area, and its proximity to the Cotswold Water Park.

Six sturdy oak picnic tables, and six benches have been put in at lovely viewing spots along the river, so why not bring the family for the first picnic of 2013 – but make sure you wrap up warm!

A new Walks Guide will also be available to download free online, and will be on sale in local outlets for £2.

And….whats’ more,  further improvements will be made over the coming weeks, with new toilet facilities and a small shop selling refreshments. Watch this space!

Come along, and pick up an entry form from the Information desk at the Gateway Centre, pop a £1 per entry in the tin, grab a pencil, and set off along the canal tow path to follow the trail. Answer all 20 questions correctly and you will be entered into a prize draw to win some fabulous prizes including a high speed inflatable ride, a watersports lesson, a high ropes adventure session, plus lots more! The quiz trail only takes about twenty minutes, and is suitable for all ages, although the path can be quite muddy in places. For any questions about this please call the CWP Trust office on 01793 752413.

The cafe at the Gateway Centre is becoming so popular with locals and visitors that the caterers Relish have decided to extend their opening hours over this Easter weekend, and offer some exciting new menus – why not come and try the Seafood Night on Friday 29th March, or the Tapas Evening on Easter Saturday? And if you are looking to be treated to a real roast dinner just like your mother used to make  they will be serving delicious roast beef and lamb right through from lunchtime to sunset on Easter Sunday. From just £12 per person – and remember CWP Trust members will receive a 15% discount on all food orders.

Download the Easter weekend menu for the Gateway Centre

If you would like to come along, please meet at Waterhay car park at 10am, bring wellies and waterproofs, liquids and lunch. If you have any questions about this event please call Phillipa Sheldrake, Head Ranger on 01793 752413.

See you there!

Why not drop in to the stunning lakeside Gateway Centre on Spine Road, Thursday 14th February, any time between 10am and 3pm, to take part in our ‘Love Birds’ family crafts activity day .

The Cotswold Water Park Trust are organising this event to give kids an opportunity to get creative; there will be various feathery craft activities including decorating masks, making colourful birds for our Birds of Paradise Tree, creating nourishing recipes from our deluxe bird food menu, and more. Show your love for birds this Valentines Day!

There will be a charge of £2 per child, and don’t forget that the wonderful cafe at the Gateway serves delicious coffee, cakes and more throughout the day. No need to book – just turn up. (Crafts suitable for children aged 5 – 15.)