WATERMEAD COUNTRY PARK

Did you know there's a woolly mammoth roaming around Leicester? Well, he's not exactly roaming but sits at the top of the hill at Watermead Park. The sculpture of the mammoth was created as a reminder of times when our ancestors shared the area with these giants.

Watermead Park was developed in the late 1980s from derelict gravel pits and over the past twenty years the park has become an important nature reserve and recreational park.

The Grand Union Canal and River Soar run through the park and there are two large lakes and many smaller ponds. As you might imagine, Watermead Park is a haven for waterfowl. If you haven't a clue as to the identity of that cute little duck with a shiny blue-green head, you'll find informative picture boards to help you. You'll definitely see swans and geese; you're likely to see a heron; and you might see a kestrel or a buzzard. Don't forget your binoculars and your bird guide – you'll soon learn the difference between a coot and a moorhen!

There are many footpaths within the park, some suitable for pushchair and wheelchair users, and route 6 of the National Cycle Network runs through the park. In fact, if you fancy a great bike ride without having to cycle on the roads, you can start from Abbey Park, cycle along the canal, past the Space Centre, and on to Birstall where a public footpath crosses Birstall Lock, and you're in Watermead Park. It's about a 3-4 mile easy cycle ride.

Whatever the season, Watermead Country Park is worth a visit. It's open every day during daylight hours and entrance is free. School groups, and other organisations are welcome to use the Country Park for educational or recreational purposes and park wardens are happy to assist. For further information contact the Parks and Green Space Services on 252 7003.