Situated just north of the M4 motorway, nestled between Swindon and Chiseldon in a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for generations, Coate Water is a tranquil oasis offering some solace to the urban-weary traveller.
Constructed in the 1820's as a feeder reservoir for the Wilts and Berks Canal, it is one of the largest bodies of water in Wiltshire. With the coming of the railways and the subsequent demise of the canals Coate Water reservoir was sold to the Swindon Corporation in the early 1900's as a leisure facility, for which it has remained ever since. In the 1920's a diving board was constructed near the main entrance. Originally a wooden structure it was later replaced by a more permanent concrete one, which is still there today. Diving was stopped, however, in the late 1950's due to health concerns.
Just outside the main reserve, and now a museum, is the birthplace of Coate's most famous resident - Richard Jefferies. Born in 1848, Jefferies penned many essays on natural history and also composed several novels; the surrounding countryside providing inspiration for much of his work. The remains of a neolithic stone circle can be seen a few hundred yards south of the museum along Day House Lane near the stables. There is also a footpath here which leads to fields around the southern end of Coate. These are often flooded, which in turn can produce a variety of birds and wildlife, and the chance of a rarity.
A well surfaced path runs around the entire grounds passing through woodland as well as parkland and offering a lakeside vista for almost the entire route. The footpath diverts off near the bridge by the woodland area and continues on over the motorway through Hodson Woods to Chiseldon. There is a trackway to the left through the fields just before the M4. Follow it through and you reach a viewing platform which gives good views of the lake and a chance also to catch a glimpse of some of the more elusive species which often inhabit this part of the grounds. There is also a bird hide here which offers an ideal location for the birdwatcher to observe the lake. Another bird hide near the causeway gives a view of the lake from a different perspective. Permits are required for access and these can be obtained from the Pitch and Putt hut.
Coate Water is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI, an area afforded protection under Natural England guidelines; which reflects its varied wildlife. The area boasts a bird list which is probably greater then the rest of the Swindon area put together. Great Northern and Red-throated Divers, Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gull, Redstart, Garganey, Reed and Cetti's Warbler, Bittern and Little Egret are just a few of the many bird species seen at the park, along with the more common ones. The usual wildfowl and waterbird species are always present, with Goosander and Teal being particularly abundant in the winter. Wading birds such as Snipe, Green and Common Sandpiper are regular visitors at spring and autumn time and Wood Sandpiper and Greenshank are occasional too. Pied and Grey Wagtail are year round residents. Ruddy Shelducks from unknown origin (but most probably escaped captive) are often seen in the summertime. In the wooded areas you may come across Nuthatch, Bullfinch, Chiffchaff, Treecreeper and various tit species. An arboretum has also recently been added to the park, furnished with trees from all over the world. A visit at any time should produce a good number of birds from all the various habitats.
The main entrance to the park is just off the Coate roundabout on Marlborough Road. Travelling from the M4, Coate Water is less than 5 minutes drive from junction 16. If you prefer quicker access to the hides and viewing platform you may wish to park near Nightingale Cottages and cut across the field or take the slightly longer walk through the woodland, where you pass a feeding area on the way. The road from Hodson is just off the B4005 Chiseldon to Wroughton road, again less than 5 minutes drive from junction 16.
