St Chad’s water was created in the 1970’s during the excavation of the underlying gravel deposits by Haveringham Gravels. As quarrying proceeded, water flooded the lake through the subterranean water table and once the site was abandoned, the lake and its environs were sold to Draycott and Church Wilne Parish Council for £1.00.
St Chads Water and its surrounding environments are an important local resource for informal countryside recreation such as fishing, walking and bird watching. The site is approx. 23 acres and consists of the Lake with a circular walking path around it, woodland edges, a wildflower meadow area and in 2023 we have opened up a new area for use as an outdoor classroom.
There are a number of recycled plastic seats and picnic tables for people to stop and enjoy the views of nature and abundant wildlife.
Fishing at St Chad’s Water Local Nature Reserve
The St Chad’s Fishing Club is a private members fishing club and you have to be a resident of Draycott to be a full member, guest passes can be purchased (but can only be used to fish with an existing member). To find out more about the Fishing Club, please contact the Treasurer John Reynolds on 07816 537096
The intended use of the outdoor classroom area is limited to the following activities within the existing rules of the site which are displayed on the noticeboards;
- Nature activities
- Health and Wellbeing activities
- Family / group events
- Group activities / events
- Bushcraft / Forest Activities
Any litter must be taken home with you and please leave the area clean and tidy. This area is free to book and use for non-commercial, families and group activities – you MUST book to ensure that you have use of the area
For commercial / business activity
The cost is £10 per hour which must be paid in advance of the activity taking place, please pay by bank transfer Draycott Parish Council Co Op Bank Sort Code: 08 90 05 Account Number: 61040805. If you require an invoice for your booking(s) please email us after you have received a confirmation email regarding your booking.
Please note that a generic risk assessment has been completed for general use at St Chads Local Nature Reserve and this can be found St-Chads-Water-Risk-Assessment-2022 – a risk assessment should be completed for any activities beyond those listed in the generic risk assessment by the person making the booking.
If you have any questions, please contact Sheena Butcher (Clerk) 01332 875278 – please note that the clerk works part-time and will contact you in the office hours (generally Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday part days) For any emergencies outside these hours, please contact Councillor Tim Scott on 07402 982560
Car Parking Information
The Car Park barrier will be OPEN ONLY during the following Hours
1st April to 31st August from 8am – 8pm
1st September to 30 September from 8am – 7pm
1st October to 31st March from 8.30am – 4.30pm
WARNING: Any vehicles parked in the car park outside of the opening hours will be locked in
This is by the order of Draycott and Church Wilne Parish Council under Section 54(3) of the Protection of Freedom Act 2012
The gates may be open outside of the advertised hours for Council business only – DO NOT RISK BEING LOCKED IN OUTSIDE THE ADVERTISED HOURS
Please complete the booking form below: