Witney Lake and Meadows is a 37 hectare Country Park and designated Local Nature Reserve (LNR) that offers a picturesque area for recreation whether that be taking the dog for a walk around the Lake’s footpath, rambling through the tranquil landscape or relaxing whilst enjoying a picnic.
The Lake is a flooded gravel pit dug initially for gravel used whilst constructing the Witney bypass (A40) in the mid 1980’s. It was purchased by Witney Town Council on the 12th of September 1982.
Today it forms a deep lake, whilst a traditional hay meadow (previously grazed by cattle) and wet grassland 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.
The site was awarded LNR status in March 2025.
