birds including reed bunting, tufted duck, black-headed gull and great crested grebe. Water vole, water shrew and nightingale and large numbers of dragonflies are recorded for the site. Elmlea Meadows (SSSI) Elmlea Meadows is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The designation recognised the nationally scarce downy-fruited sedge (Carex tomentosa) and snake's head fritillary. Old Railway Line The old railway line (previously Midland and South Western Junction Railway) is a wildlife corridor between South Cerney and Cricklade. Shorncote Reedbed Shorncote Reedbed is at the north-east corner, towards South Cerney (Lakes 84 and 85). It is designed to attract wetland birds, and has several linear islands which maximise the area of available reed fringe. Bittern, reed bunting, water rail, common snipe and reed warbler are recorded as visiting this refuge. There have also been sightings of otter and water vole. There are two bird hides. The footpath to the reserve from South Cerney is subject to frequent flooding from the adjacent Cerney Wick Brook and rising ground waters. Waterhay Reedbeds A silt lagoon was formed by the mineral workings that created the Cleveland Lakes. This is now colonised and provides a suitable habitat for wintering and breeding birds and a refuge for reptiles and mammals. Designations The site (Fairford Region; South Cerney Region; Coke's Pit Lake; Edward Richardson and Phyllis Amey reserve; Bryworth Lane reserve) was listed in the Cotswold District Local Plan 2001–2011 as a Key Wildlife Site (KWS). Only a few of the lakes are accessible for public use. It is a site of Site of Special Scientific Interest notified in 1994. Natural England information on the citation Natural England information on the Cotswold Water Park Site In January 2021, further areas were given SSSI status and a consultation begun on further extending the area covered. Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust reserves The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust activities are based in the eastern section of the Cotswold Water Park. There are four nature reserves called Whelford Pools, Edward Richardson & Phyllis Amey, Roundhouse Lake and Bryworth Lane. Whelford Pools reserve (SSSI) Natural England Unit 8 of the Cotswold Water Park, the Whelford Pool (most northerly) Natural England Unit 9 of the Cotswold Water Park, the Whelford Pool The Pools () and () are in the eastern section of the park, between Fairford and Lechlade. The site was purchased by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust in 1979 with grant aid from the Worldwide Fund