Nature Reserves
Swillbrook Lakes
Once a barren landscape, bereft of life, Swillbrook Lakes are one of the treasures of this complex of flooded gravel-pits. Run as a nature reserve by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, this is one of the finest spots in the area for birdwatching.
Key Species
- Warblers
- Chiff chaffs
- Hobbys
- Dragonflies
- Nightingales
- Winter waterbirds
Swillbrook Lakes through the seasons
Spring
The first summer bird visitors arrive at Swillbrook in April - warblers such as the chiff-chaff, sand martins and swallows following soon after. By May the sedge warbler's song is fighting for attention with those of the reed warbler, blackcap and willow warbler. From the thick hedges comes the lovely song of the nightingale. Water birds such as the great crested grebe, coot and mallard all nest around the lakes.
Summer
The dragonflies and damselflies appear from midsummer onwards - the Lakes are home to 13 species. The bright common blue damselfly is one of the most numerous of these delicate insects, but you will also see the blue-tailed and emerald damselflies. At the end of summer, hobbys gather to feast on dragonflies, sand martins and swallows.
Autumn / Winter
The first winter visitors, the ducks, start to arrive in October. The drakes have finished moulting, and their plumage is looking its dazzling best, to attract a mate. Mallard and gadwall are regulars - but listen out for the whistling call of the wigeon. In the deeper areas, pochard, tufted duck and goldeneye can be seen diving, and if you're really lucky you might see the striking goosander.
Location
Travelling north on the A419 Swindon - Cirencester road, turn left onto the Cotswold Water Park Spine Road. After crossing the B4696 South Cerney/Ashton Keynes road, take the next left, Minety Lane, after about 1.5 miles. Parking is in the gateway on either side of the road, after about 0.5 miles. Swillbrook Lakes nature reserve and information board is on the east side of the road at grid reference SU 018 934.
