The Cotswold Water Park is the United Kingdom's largest water park. It consists of 133 numbered lakes which were formed by allowing old gravel quarries to become filled with water. The Western part is located by the A419, on the River Thames (not far from its source) and the River Churn, about five miles south of Cirencester, on the border between Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, near the villages of South Cerney and Ashton Keynes. The Eastern part is near the A417, on the River Coln, lying between Fairford and Lechlade.
Some of the more recently dug out lakes have been connected to the River Thames, which flows amongst them. The lakes and the river are linked by several large underground pipes and act as a flood defence scheme. If too much water falls in the area it will be taken in by the lakes and subsequently passed on down the river. In addition to these, there are many water spillways leading off the Thames to the few remaining fields.
The park is popular for birdwatching. There are many water sports and other activities available. Only a small number of the lakes however, are open for public use.
External links
- Official Site
- Cotswold Water Park
- "English Nature citation sheet for the site". http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1006005.pdf. Retrieved 2008-09-06.
Coordinates: 51°39′07″N 1°57′27″W / 51.65194°N 1.9575°W
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