Watermead Country Park, Leicester

Watermead Country Park is a picturesque network of artificial lakes situated along the valley of the River Soar and the old Grand Union Canal in Leicestershire, spanning from the north of Leicester to the south of the Borough of Charnwood. The park is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor activity seekers, offering birdwatching, fishing, and various watersports. Watermead Country Park provides a well-maintained natural retreat within an urban landscape.

The park includes three designated Local Nature Reserves: Reedbed – Watermead Country Park (North), Watermead Country Park – South, and Birstall Meadows. These areas support diverse wildlife and serve as important conservation sites. Among the park’s many lakes, the northernmost is John Merricks Lake, named in memory of the Olympic silver medallist who trained in the area before his untimely passing in 1997.

Further south, King Lear’s Lake is a favored spot for anglers, dog walkers, and cyclists. A statue on the lake’s western side captures the dramatic final scene from Shakespeare’s King Lear. The lake also serves as a training site for open-water swimmers from the Leicester Triathlon Club and as a water training ground for Newfoundland Dogs.

The park hosts a 5-kilometer park run every Saturday morning, drawing in fitness enthusiasts. The interconnected lakes continue southward, culminating in the so-called Mammoth Lake. This site features a striking statue of a woolly mammoth atop a small hill, offering panoramic views of Leicester and the surrounding area. The current "Millennium Mammoth" was erected to commemorate Ice Age mammoth remains discovered during quarrying operations in the area. It replaces an earlier sculpture that was destroyed in an arson attack.

Today, Watermead Country Park remains a valued green space, blending historical significance with recreational opportunities, and serving as a sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors alike.