Wildlife Trail

 

Donate

Membership

Volunteer

Common Kingfisher feeding young

A wildlife rubbing plaque trail can be found along the Old Railway Line, which runs for approximately 6km between South Cerney and Cricklade. The Old Railway Line is managed as a wildlife corridor, as well as being is an important footpath, bridleway, and cycleway.

Old Railway Line Rubbing Plaque Trail

Why not take our spotter sheet, some paper, and some wax crayons along with you and see how many of the 21 plaques you can find. They are all located to the side of the path and there is no obligation to find them all, however you may want the challenge!

Although the plaques were designed to reflect the wildlife you are likely to see along the Old Railway Line, it is important to remember that some things are seasonal (and nocturnal) so you might not spot everything. Please be respectful when sharing the space with others and stick to the footpath to prevent from disturbing wildlife.

Send us photos or tag us on social media if you do see any of the amazing wildlife on the plaques during your visit to the Old Railway Line:

Instagram – @CotswoldLakesTrust
X – @CotsLakesTrust

 

Other things to note:

  • The Old Railway Line can be accessed from multiple places – Cerney Wick, Spine Road, Cricklade, South Cerney.
  • Parking can be found at Bridge Car Park on the Spine Road (please note this carpark has a height restriction unsuitable for any roof-mounted bikes).
  • During winter, parts of the trail can get very muddy, so waterproof shoes or welly boots are advised!
  • If you want a helping hand, then the What3Words locations of every plaque can be found below:

Rubbing plaques What3Words locations:

Oak – presented.devours.mule
Badger – like.customers.tight
Yew – plank.grass.grad
Great Spotted Woodpecker – miss.unhelpful.musically
Grass Snake – nickname.modem.raves
Black-headed Gull – relishes.twilight.ferrets
Coot – openings.ringers.downs
Dragonfly – enclosing.vented.pasta
Glow Worm – removal.relax.jugs
Snail – fancied.unicorns.sugar
Field Maple – alerting.chops.snowstorm
Treecreeper – scrapped.beep.whizzing
Silver Birch – trial.egging.arranges
Hazel – joined.bearable.fluid
Willow – interacts.song.collides
Roe Deer – recipient.headings.trams
Pipistrelle Bat – brew.storeroom.pioneered
Mute Swan – unity.films.fishnet
Long-tailed Tit – typhoon.skippers.bunch
Swallow – cascade.assure.breakfast
Hawthorn – central.consented.clicker