Walkers will soon be able to enjoy a six-mile new nature route through the town. 

South Swindon Green Corridor is being developed by the parish council, starting at Shaftesbury Lake in Park South and finishing at Cambria Bridge play area.

The parish council will be installing way markings, finger posts and boards with information about the surrounding natural environment. 

Parish council chairman Chris Watts said: “This is a really exciting project. Walking has become a bit of a national pastime while the lockdown has been in place and even though the origins of this project came before Covid, it has been great to deliver it while people are so enthusiastic about walking.”

The route will run from Shaftesbury Lake through Coate Water, along a trail from Broome Manor Lane to Pipers Way, past East Wichel, the Old Town Railway Line and Canal.

Gail Collins, one of two volunteers behind The Friends of Shaftesbury Lake group, said: “I think it’s one of the most exciting projects that they’re doing for Swindon.

“I’ve never been near the Old Town railway line or really the canal and it will be a lovely thing to be able to walk all that way there.

“It will mean presumably people can walk to Shaftesbury Lake from all over Swindon, so more visitors will come and more people will know about this wonderful asset we have.” 

Coun Watts added: “The trail will incorporate lots of nature and that is why we have called it the South Swindon Green Corridor.

“We hope to include an online map so residents will be able to view the trail on their phones.

“We will also be creating some information boards too to help inform people of the nature that is in front of them.”

Gail added: “Apparently there are going to be wildflowers planted all along the corridor, which will be absolutely amazing.

“I’d love to see cow slips because these are things you don’t see any more. I haven’t seen any since I was about 16. 

“They will be such a boost for biodiversity,” she added. 

“We had wildflowers planted at the lake by the fishing club who used to use it and now we get all the dragon flies and butterflies coming back. 

“But it would be great to get more species. I’d love to see water voles and newts return.” 

Groundwork is also being completed to introduce better drainage and stone to the boggy areas, including from Pipers Way to Broome Manor Lane, where drainage ditches and a culvert are being cleaned out.

A map of the route hasn’t been released yet as a section of the East Wichel route is yet to be finalised while the parish council seeks permission from Taylor Wimpey.