Witney Lake and Country Park

Witney Lakes and Meadows is a 37 hectare Country Park owned and managed by Witney Town Council. It offers a picturesque area for recreation whether that be taking the dog for a walk around the Lake's footpath, or rambling through the tranquil landscape and relaxing whilst enjoying a picnic.

Witney Lake offers a gateway to the Lower Windrush Valley and visitors will enjoy exploring the many interesting features that are home to an abundant variety of plants and wildlife.

Background

Witney Lake is a flooded gravel pit dug initially for gravel used whilst constructing the Witney bypass (A40) in the mid 1980's. Today it forms a deep lake, whilst a traditional hay meadow and wet grassland, grazed by the cattle of a local farmer, are found between streams of the meandering River Windrush. A study by the Lower Windrush Valley project and Pond Conservation found 110 bird species and a large variety of invertebrates and wetland plants.

The southern end of the lake is sectioned as a nature reserve and the grazing land to the east and north is classified as an Environmentally Sensitive Area. To the west of the lake is an area of small paddocks and allotments, behind which the village of Ducklington is located. The northern end of the lake is sectioned as an area for public leisure, used for activities such as fishing and picnicking.

Disabled Access

In 1997 a Disability Discrimination Act Survey was undertaken at the Lake and Country Park, resulting in a number of gates being altered to allow access to people travelling in mobility vehicles and wheelchairs, thus bringing the Lake and Country Park up to the Government specifications.

Disabled picnic benches and fishing platforms have also been installed and designed with space suitable for wheelchair users.

The lake is bounded by a circular path but Oxfordshire County Council have produced 2 short walk leaflets which retrace the route taken, making them more suitable for those who prefer a shortened walk.

Witney Lake Walk

Witney Meadows Walk

Getting There

Easily accessible on foot from the town centre from Farm Mill Lane/ Avenue 2 Station Lane/ Ducklington, the park has surfaced paths encouraging access for all

Fishing - Permit Holders Only

If you would like details of how to obtain a fishing license, please contact Polly Inness at the Town Hall who can put you in touch with the Witney Angling Club.

Witney Woodland Volunteers

Witney Woodland Volunteers was formed two years ago to help clear the footpaths and riverside paths in Witney of weeds and litter, and to plant trees and shrubs to enhance the natural beauty of the green corridor which passes through the centre of the town, fringing the River Windrush and the Mill Stream. They also clear footpaths away from the River, notably in the local water meadows, and all around Cogges Manor Farm, and have planted 150 trees on Thorney Leys to protect the local houses from the noise of the A40.

For more details on how you can do your bit, please see the links page for details of when and where the Volunteers meet.