LNR Type: Woodland and Still Open Water.

County: Wiltshire

English Nature Local Team: Wiltshire Team

Year of Declaration: 2003

Declaring Authority: Swindon Borough Council

Area (Ha): 36

How to Find Us

Map showing Location

The village of Stanton Fitzwarren is sign-posted off the main A361Swindon to Highworth road. The park entrance can be found 500 metres before the village, on the left-hand side.In 2003 a large area within Stanton Country Park, mainly the woodlands and lake, was designated as a Local Nature Reserve by English Nature.

The LNR encompasses a wide range of habitats including the woodland, a lake, recently restored ponds and a number of hedgerows.

There are remnants of ancient woodland within its boundaries and the site even boosts a giant redwood, which is a reminder of when the park was planted up by its original private landowners.

Wildlife

Most of the woodland consists of mature oak, with hazel and ash being very common. Much of the woodland area is damp and supports an exceptional range of fungi (almost 500 species in total).

Roe deer are often seen, together with many woodland bird species, including the lesser-spotted woodpecker.

The main lake, restored ponds, ditches and streams all provide habitats for a vast range of animals and plants, including amphibians, beetles and dragonflies. Reed beds around the lake edge are home to summer visitors such as warblers and bunting. The lake is also home to a myriad of waterfowl such as swans, ducks, grebes and kingfisher.

A leaflet describing the site and its history is available from the Information Centre in Regents Street, Swindon and from Lydiard and Coate Water Country Park Ranger Centres.  We warmly welcome first-time visitors and hope that those who have already been here return.  We do ask in the interest of safety and respect for the wildlife, that dogs are kept under control near and around grazing livestock.

Park Facilities

There is a large car park and information point, but toilet and café facilities are not available.

Caring For Your Countryside:

• Protect wildlife, plants and trees at all times
• Close gates behind you
• Keep dogs on leads when near livestock, and pick up after your animal
• Keep away from farm buildings and guard against risk of fire
• Take your litter home with you and keep to paths whenever possible.
• Help to keep all water clean

If you would like to become involved in helping to preserve this site and other habitats within Swindon please click onto the following link.

Volunteer Rangers

For information on 'Nature for All' events organised by the Rangers either click on the following link or contact us at the address below

Rangers Events

Further Information/Contact

For further information please contact us:

Ranger Team
Coate Water County Park
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6AA

Ranger Office Tel: 01793 490150

Swindon Borough Ranger Team, caring for your parks and open spaces