Cosmeston Lakes Country Park had its origins with the advent of limestone quarrying in the early 1890s. The quarrying ceased in 1970 and this saw one of the quarry sites being used for landfill.
Underground springs flooded parts of the quarried area creating lakes. The quarry spoil areas were landscaped and together with the lakes form the main features of the park which we can see today giving access to over of 100 hectares of woodland, calcareous grassland and wetlands.
Water: There is over 12 hectares of open water divided into two lakes (East and West lake).
The lakes are home to a variety of waterfowl such as mute swans, great crested grebe and coot. Winter visitors such as pochard, wigeon, scaup and tufted duck can also be seen. In recent winters, bittern have also taken up residence.
Marshland: There are over 3 hectares accessible by boardwalk. This habitat supports plants such as reed mace, yellow flag Iris and the rare greater spearwort.
The lakeside margins and the dragonfly pond provide an excellent habitat for numerous dragonfly and damselfly species such as the common blue damselflyand emperor dragonfly. (Photo courtesy of Paul Roberts)
Woodland: The 20 hectares of broad-leaved woodland hosts a selection of common British mammals such as the shy badger, fox and the rarely seen bat population.
Calcareous meadows: There are over 12 hectares that contain many rare species of flowers such as the bee, pyramidal and butterfly orchids seen during the summer months. The calcareous plant species attract many butterfly species such as, red admiral and the common blue.
Co-ordinates: ST176689
Location:
By Car: Cosmeston Lakes are situated about 5 miles south of Cardiff. The main entrance is 1.5 miles south of Penarth town centre on the B4267 Lavernock Road to Sully. Only 15 minutes from the M4.
By Bus: Bus stops are situated conveniently near the main entrance to the park. Cardiff Bus provides a regular Bustler service to and from the park. Full details of routes can be obtained from Cardiff Bus on 029 2039 6521.
Contact:
Tel: 029 2070 1678
Fax: 029 2070 8686
Website: www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/
your comments
We're making some changes to the sites shortly and although this form will be closing, you will have other opportunities to contribute on our new-look site.
J Roberts, Penarth
The comments on this site make me laugh. Country walks spoiled by dog owners - where exactly do you suggest that dogs are walked, around the streets of Penarth? The park is occasionally spoiled by inconsiderate people, some with dogs and some without. Also if you don't want to encounter dogs "running loose" don't go on the dog walkers route which is clearly sign posted.
S Thomas, Barry
I enjoy Cosmeston and I am also fortunate to own a dog. I clean up after here regardless and she too enjoys a walk and a swim there. More to the point instead of leaving comments about dog walkers why not mention the lack of disabled access to Cosmeston. I have MS and find it oh so difficult to traverse some of the boardwalks.
Brian Stephens, Penarth.
Yes, it's very nice for a country walk but it is spoiled by the dogowners. But it worries me when I see children being allowed to paddle near the edge of the lake. If only people had seen the depth of the quarry when it was working.
S Newman, Penarth
We regularly visit Cosmeston with our 2 small children and no matter how often you go there is always something new to see and learn about. Unfortunately, visits are often spoiled by the number of dogs running loose who foul grass and paths without the owners clearing it away - absolutely disgusting!
