The lakes in the Cotswold Water Park were formed by the extraction of sand and gravel over fifty years. As pits came to the end of their working lives, pumps were turned off and the pits gradually filled with water to form inland lakes.
A registered charity, Cotswold Lakes Trust, campaigns to protect wildlife and promote understanding through a programme of education, projects, talks, workshops and public events.
Local Plan policy SP5 refers specifically to the area.
In January 2021 the boundaries of the CWP Site of Scientific Interest (a national wildlife site designation) were expanded to cover most of the lakes in the area in recognition of their national importance for wintering and breeding birds, as well as aquatic plants. More information can be found on Natural England’s website.
Cotswold Water Park Nature Recovery Plan: guiding new and ongoing nature recovery and biodiversity enhancement initiatives across the CWP, as part of our response to the global climate and ecological emergencies. 2021 and beyond.
The CWP is a hotspot for wildlife and a wide-ranging group of natural environment organisations (the Cotswold Water Park Nature Recovery Forum) have come together to produce a nature recovery plan for the area, showing how we can enhance nature and maximise the benefits that the natural world provides for us. Local communities and relevant organisations were consulted on the plan.
In 2008 the Cotswold Water Park Joint Committee approved the Cotswold Water Park Strategic Review and Implementation Plan, which had been prepared by consultants, Scott Wilson, in consultation with the local community and other stakeholders. It helps guide the future of the Cotswold Water Park. A review of the plan was agreed in December 2010 and proposed some minor amendments.
© Cotswold District Council 2024
Cotswold Water Park Nature Recovery Plan - Summary Document - pdf - 9.37 Mb