On this page: Information about Shaw Forest Park, including a map showing it’s location.
Shaw Forest Park is currently a 40-hectare community woodland approximately 3km north-west of the centre of Swindon.
It started life as the old Shaw Farm Landfill and was slowly reforested over a number of years. It now boasts an array of habbitats ranging from ash/ willow woodlands to scrub land containing juniper and alder.
Shaw Forest Park is wholly owned by Swindon Borough Council and is therefore provided for the whole community.
The Council's Ranger Team manages the park with the help of the Volunteer Rangers and other interested groups including strong input from the Shaw Residents Association (http://www.shawresidents.org.uk/index.htm).
Character
For many people the park provides a sense of wilderness, tranquillity and exploration – a unique get-away from the increasing urban enclosures. Being surrounded by trees provides a countryside feel to an otherwise sub-urban area. The one outstanding feature of this park is that it is a man made green space, and this wilderness has been totally manufactured from its original use as a land-fill tip. This outstanding project is one example where man has promoted and reintroduced flora and fauna into the local area.
The park provides an exceptionally wide range of habitats, such as:
- Hedgerows
- Wildflower meadows
- Woodlands
- Grassland
- Wetlands
- A couple of ponds recently improved for amphibian species
These habitats are home to a correspondingly large variety of life, including:
- Birds of prey
- Several bird species considered rare
- Wildfowl
- Amphibians
- Invertebrates
- Large mammals (including roe deer and foxes)
- Bats
Facilities
- Circular surfaced route suitable for wheelchairs
- Car parking
Long Term Plan
The long term plans for the site are to develop and enhance the woodland areas and maintain it as a haven for its wildlife allowing all local people to visit and enjoy Shaw Forest Park. The Ranger Team hope to promote Environmental Education on this site through our walks and talks and linking up with local schools too.
Events
The Ranger Team organizes a large number of fun and educational events - for full details please see our Events Calendar - Outdoors Events.
Map
The pin on the map shows the entrance to the park and car park.
Access
There are several footpaths from the park to the Sparcells, Hillmead, Ramleaze and Eastleaze. Other paths (including a major cycle route) link the park to Rivermead (managed by Wilts Wildlife Trust), Manington Rec. and the Town Centre to the South and Mouldon Hill, Rodbourne Cheney and Priory Vale to the North.
The closest bus stop is the by the entrance ramp to the park opposite the Vauxhall Scurry’s Garage and it visited by the number’s 22 and 18 buses - see the Stagecoach website - Timetables (www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables.aspx).
Further Information
A brief guide to what can be found at Shaw Forest Park is available as a downloadable PDF file:
Shaw Forest Park Picture Guide.pdf (863Kb)
Contact
Swindon Ranger Team
The Ranger Centre
Coate Water Country Park
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6AA
Tel: 01793 490150
E-mail: swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk
Maintenance and Problem Reporting
Please contact the Customer Services StreetSmart Team.