The campus of the University of Warwick covers 290 hectares and lies in the valley of Canley Brook draining red, heavy clay soils. It is an area of considerable historical interest with evidence of occupation since Neolithic times. Henry II gave part of this royal estate to Cistercian monks in 1155, and near Tocil Wood pottery was manufactured using local clay and charcoal. Following dissolution in 1535, the land was enclosed and assumed many of the features evident to this day. The campus covers four medieval farmsteads: Gibbet Hill, Tocil, Cryfield and Cryfield Grange Farms.

Over the last 30 years, in addition to building, there has been extensive tree planting and the creation of 8 lakes or ponds. A third of the area is farmed and, to reduce damage to wildlife, the University has entered into a Countryside Stewardship Scheme, which allows for replacing and improving hedgerows and creating ‘buffer strips’ along existing hedges and watercourses.

Lakes Walk
Warwickshire Walk

Download map

Lakes Walk

Total distance: 1 km.
The walk is on a surfaced path and is suitable for wheelchairs. There are a number of starting and finishing points.

The walk starts from the Sports Centre car park (CP8). Much of the path follows ancient hedgerows. Most are shown on the 16th century plans and several plant species such as dog’s mercury, greater stitchwort and bluebells confirm their ancient nature, as does the variety of woody plants. To increase their value for wildlife, the University is reversing past neglect by ‘cutting and laying’ hedges in the traditional Warwickshire style. Tree planting in and near the hedges is designed to replace the numerous trees, especially elms, lost in the last 50 years. After the small ponds near to Claycroft Halls, the path crosses a tributary of Canley Brook and runs alongside a poorly drained meadow. This habitat once occurred along most streams and rivers, but has been lost through the introduction of improved drainage. Our meadow contains uncommon plants such as great burnet and meadowsweet. It is an important habitat for insects, especially butterflies.

The path now reaches the largest of the Tocil lakes dug by the University more than 15 years ago. The next lake and its associated wetland area was developed jointly with the National Rivers Authority in 1990, as an amenity and an educational resource. Most animals and plants growing in and around the lakes have established naturally and demonstrate the colonising powers of nature.

Bird life is varied and includes coot, moorhen and mallard, which breed on the islands and on the far side of the lake in a wildlife area closed to the public. Two pairs of mute swans with their cygnets may be seen here, though they breed elsewhere on campus.

In recent years the appearance of two introduced species has upset the balance of wildlife. Canada geese gather in large numbers (over 150) throughout the winter months and, more seriously, mink have spread from the river Avon since 1993. They eat the eggs and young of most water birds, even swans, and have reduced populations dramatically.

Well worth a visit is Tocil Wood, a nature reserve belonging to Coventry City Council, managed by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. Access is gained from the inter-site footpath to Gibbet Hill, though the paths can be muddy. The wood, known to have existed since before Roman times, is managed by traditional methods with coppiced hazel under fine standard oaks. In May, bluebells make a magnificent show and the wettest area supports a stand of marsh marigolds. Return to the starting point by retracing your steps across campus via Rootes Halls and the Arts Centre (see plan).

Download map

Warwickshire Walk

Total distance 6 kms (including Cryfield Grange extension).
Muddy in winter and after rain.

The walk starts across the road from the Gatehouse and follows the perimeter hedge behind Scarman House, skirting Lakeside Residences before reaching Whitefield Coppice. Continue alongside the wood towards the playing fields, where the walk crosses the public footpath which bisects the playing fields and follows Canley Brook back to Gibbet Hill Road. There are a number of routes which can shorten the walk. To extend the walk onto Cryfield Grange Farm follow the public footpath (just mentioned) over the footbridge and continue across Cryfield Grange Road towards Kenilworth.

The path goes through a meadow (not University land) and continues to our boundary. Turn right here and with the hedge on your left, follow it to the bridleway. Turn right, and walk between the fences until you reach the road again, turn right again and walk to where you previously crossed this road and turn left to get back onto the playing fields.

Parts of the walk provide glimpses of a past rural Warwickshire of copses, small fields and hedges with numerous hedgerow trees. Hedgerow removal in the ’50s and ’60s, linked to agriculture intensification degraded this landscape. The University plans to preserve and, where possible, to recreate this rural ‘Arden’ landscape by extensive hedge and tree planting. New lakes have been dug and management of these and the streams is creating new wildlife habitats. Brown trout have been found in the Canley Brook and kingfishers visit in winter, when streams in more rural areas are frozen.

Download map

Important: With the exception of the public rights of way, walks follow permissive paths (not for cycles) which the landowner reserves the right to close should the need arise. Please leave our walks as you would wish to find them. Observe the Countryside Code.