Nature Reserves Introduction
Nature Reserves provide a protected haven for wildlife. They are a magical place to visit throughout the year and with free access, everyone has an opportunity to experience nature at its best.
In this area…
- Orchids
- Dragonflies
- Nightingales
- Daubenton Bats
- Snakeshead Fritillary
Nature Reserves and the CWPS
The Cotswold Water Park Society works with various bodies such as the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England to help maintain the reserves and to encourage access through the leading of guided walks and ranger work such as clearing footpaths.
Coke's Pit Local Nature Reserve
This was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2003, and is one of the most popular site for visitors as it lies adjacent to Keynes Country Park, near the village of Somerford Keynes.
Clattinger Farm
Acquired by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in 1996, this wonderful corner of Wiltshire is considered the finest remaining example of enclosed lowland grassland in the UK, and one of the best examples of hay meadows in the country.
Swillbrook Lakes
Once a barren landscape, bereft of life, Lakes 46 and 48 are one of the treasures of this complex of flooded gravel-pits. Also known as Swillbrook Lakes, and run as a nature reserve by the Trust, this is one of the finest spots in the area for birdwatching.
North Meadow Reserve, Cricklade
North Meadow is an old, flower-rich hay meadow on the northern edge of Cricklade. It lies on the glacial flood plain of the River Thames and the River Churn. The meadow also supports Britain’s largest population of the snake’s head fritillary, a beautiful and nationally scarce flower.
