Witney Lake and Country Park

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Church
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Witan
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The Leys
Sainsbury’s
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Station
A40
Grid ref: SP 360 085
A40
A415
The Lower Windrush Valley Project
was set up to work in the valley
with mineral operators, landowners
and local communities as mineral
extraction is set to continue for
many years into the future. The
project aims to deliver a range
of environmental initiatives that
protect and enhance the landscape
and wildlife habitats, and improve
public access opportunities in the
valley.
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Foot/Cycle
path only
Town
Hall
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Welcome
WITNEY
Welch Way
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Witney is world famous for the
manufacture of woollen blankets
and owes its prosperity over the
last 400 years to the wool trade.
The magnificent spire of St Mary’s
Church overlooks Church Green and
the town and is visible from miles
around. The town today is a vibrant
shopping centre with a market twice
a week, all set amongst attractive
historic buildings.
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Tower H
Witney Lake and Country Park offer
a gateway to the Lower Windrush
Valley, an area that has been
transformed by mineral extraction
over many years. Managed by
Witney Town Council for people
and for wildlife, there are surfaced
paths round the lake and rougher
paths through fields providing a
rich variety of walking experiences
on the doorstep of the historic
market town of Witney.
On foot:
• to Witney Lake, from town centre via Avenue Two off
Station Lane through the underpass under the A40; from
footpaths from Ducklington or from the Country Park
• to Country Park by Farm Mill off Witan Way.
By bus: Call Traveline South East on 0871 200 2233 or visit
the website www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk for bus timetables.
By car: Please note there is no parking at Witney Lake or
Country Park. Town centre car parks are a 5-10 minute walk.
Access for all: the path around the north
side of Witney Lake is wheelchair
accessible but the paths on the rest of
the site may not be suitable for people
with restricted mobility.
Contact
Witney Town Council
Town Hall, Market Square, Witney, OXON OX28 6AG
Tel: 01993 704379
Email: townclerk@witney-tc.gov.uk
The Lower Windrush Valley Project
Signal Court, Old Station Way, Eynsham, OXON OX29 4TL.
Tel: 01865 815426
Email: lwvp@oxfordshire.gov.uk
This leaflet was funded by:
Witney Town Council
Witney Lake & Country Park
Witney Lake, once an active gravel pit, is now an
attractive public space with stunning views across
open water. The footpath round the north shore of
the lake is wheelchair accessible. The southern half
of the lake is managed as a nature reserve. Many
species of birds have been recorded here, together
with some unusual invertebrates and wetland plants.
Kingfishers dart along Emma’s Dyke and the
River Windrush. Great crested grebe
can be seen on the lake all year
round and summer visitors
include swifts that nest
nearby in the town.
The Country Park runs from Farm Mill down to the eastern edge
of Witney Lake. The field to the north of the A40 is managed as
traditional hay meadow. The meadow to the south is much wetter and
a network of shallow ponds has been created here to attract snipe and
lapwing in the winter and masses
of damselflies and
dragonflies in the
summer. There may
be cattle in these
fields and it may
be very muddy
with rough
ground
in places.
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Entrances
The Windrush Path
follows, or runs near to, the
River Windrush from Witney
to Hardwick. Start from the
entrance to the Country Park
or from Witney Lake for a walk
through meadow land with classic riverside
views. The path joins public footpaths to Gill
Mill, Rushy Common Nature Reserve and
South Leigh. In winter, some sections of the
path may be flooded or very muddy.
Toilets
Public Footpath
Lakeside Footpath 1.5km
Underpass
Riverside Path 0.5km
Picnic Benches
Benches
Information
0
50
100
200m
For the benefit of all visitors
and wildlife please keep your
dog under close control and
clean up after it.
Camping, swimming, cycling
and horse riding, lighting
fires and barbeques are not
permitted.
For more information
about fishing contact
the Town Hall on
01993 704379.
For further information about the route of the
Windrush Path look at the project leaflet Walk the
Windrush Path-Witney to Hardwick or contact the
Lower Windrush Valley Project on 01865 815426.
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