Designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2007, Jubilee Lake is protected for people and wildlife. What can visitors see at the Lake?

SPRING
Jubilee Lake comes to life with a superb display of Wild Garlic and Bluebells. Watch out as you walk around the lake for other flowers and enjoy the springtime birdsong.

SUMMER through AUTUMN
Feeding birds dominate the site and an evening walk will reveal bats searching for insects.

WINTER
Resident birds are still around but quiet. At night it is possible to hear Tawny Owls calling from within the valley.

NATURE TRAIL and QUIZ  [Please scroll down to the end to download map and quiz NB map and quiz created by a third party and we cannot be responsible for these third party resources and their accessibilty]
Visitors walking through Jubilee Lake should look around. Birds of Prey including Buzzards, Sparrowhawk and Red Kite can be seen daily. At night, the valley is used by Badgers, Foxes, Muntjacs and Roe Deer, they may be seen in the woodland and lake edges.

The map shows the trail and visitors can start from Jubilee Lake Cafe, besides the Play Park and public toilets; each question on the quiz leaflet relates to a numbered sign. Quiz leaflet can be seen next to, or below the map, depending on devise used. Alternatively, paper copies of the leaflet are available from the Town Council office, The Manor House, Lime Kiln SN4 7GJ and the cafe. Click to download the answers.

The trail should take approximately an hour to complete. Please have fun discovering some of our local wildlife.

Children should always be accompanied by an adult.

There is something for everyone at Jubilee Lake. For wildlife lovers, the lake is bursting with a variety of animals from the family of geese to the long eared brown bats! Children can be kept entertained for hours in the large play area or go on a NATURE TRAIL in search of butterflies and rabbits or if you enjoy peaceful walks, you will be sure to find that here. [Hard copies of the nature trail can be picked up at Jubilee Lake Cafe or the Town Council Office at The Manor House, Lime Kiln SN4 7GJ]

Along your walk you will find our delightful Kingfisher sculpture created by talented artist Hannah Dyson based in Stroud, finding its permanent home at the lake in the summer of 2021.

Jubilee Lake also has a thriving Angling Club, for more information please contact D Matthews on 07786736276

In January 2018, the Town Council hired contractors to take on a major piece of erosion works within Jubilee Lake. An area of the lake had been significantly eroded over several years, forming a drop of approximately 1.7m. Gabion baskets, coir fibre and rock rolls at key locations have improved the lakes banks to a high level halting the erosion ensuring enjoyment for visitors for years to come!

Visitors can stop and refesh with a cup or tea & cake, or ice cream if it is warm, at Jubilee Lake Cafe. It is run by a local resident and can be found next to the large play park. The Cafe is open Tuesday and Wednesday 10am to 3pm, Thursday to Sundays 10am to 4pm. To find out about any specials or changes to dates and times visit the Jubilee Lake Cafe facebook page.

Next to the Cafe visitors will also find Town Council run public toilets. For opening times and emergency contact details see Public Conveniences webpage.

About Your Council

The Town Council has 16 seats. Town Councillors are elected to represent one of three wards in the town; North, South & West and East Ward. The North are represented by seven councillors, South & West has six councillors, with East Ward having three. Councillors are elected to serve a period of four years. To view the Town Councillors please use Your Councillors page. To view the ward boundaries please use Wiltshire Council interactive map to search using an address to find out the ward. For your Wiltshire Councillor please search by postcode on Wiltshire Council’s Find Councillor webpage.

During a meeting of the Full Council on 6^th February 2025, Town Councillors had a healthy debate on moving to a non-political council, which was discussed at length, and residents who attended the meeting were invited to share their views; the motion was carried with the majority of councillors agreeing to the proposal.

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council now joins hundreds of other town and parish councils in the country, including close neighbour Malmesbury Town Council, who have been non-political for over 12 years, following best practice recommended by the National Association of Local Councils.

By making this change, the council believes that it directly links to our emerging strategic town plan, and its values of being collaborative and inclusive, ensuring every decision made is in the interest of Royal Wootton Bassett and all its residents, businesses and visitors.

The 16 elected members are responsible to ensure the Town Council’s business is carried out in line with statutory requirements. These Councillors represent residents’ interest at the various committees, sub-committees and working groups, where decisions are made to provide and improve the Town and it’s facilities. Each May, the Council hold an Annual Meeting (Mayor Making) where a Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected.

Supporting the Councillors are 20 members of staff led by the Chief Officer – Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer, to ensure that the Council as a whole conducts its business properly and provides independent, objective and professional advice and support.

24th March 2026 – Town Councillor Vacancy 

The Town Council has one vacancy in the North Ward following a resignation, and will look to fill this casual vacancy by co-option at its Full Council meeting on Thursday 21st May 2026. For more details on the role, eligibility and how to apply please visit the Town Councillor Vacancy news article.

To find out more about standing as a Councillor please visit the Local Government Association website.