Why ‘Jefferies Land'?
Richard Jefferies [1848-1887], one of England's most individual writers on nature and the countryside, was born and bred at Coate. The surrounding area inspired much of his work produced during a tragically short life. Jefferies' old house at Coate, now a Museum, is dedicated to his memory.
‘Jefferies Land' is a special place and a beauty spot much loved by many generations of Swindonians. Under constant threat by developers, this insecurity needed to be removed once and for all.
Prof W J Keith, in his critical study of Richard Jefferies published in 1965, wrote:
The Trust's vision for ‘Jefferies Land' would have placed Swindon squarely on the map as a literary heritage site, a place for visitors to enjoy a special rural climate, a wildlife haven and a centre for study of the environment and historic landscapes. The main elements were to:
1) maintain the rural landscape setting of
Coate Water
2) enhance the biodiversity of Coate Water
Site of Special Scientific Interest and the nature reserves at Coate Water, Day
House Copse and Burderop Wood North
3) provide a centre to study and
appreciate literary landscapes as an inspiration to UK writers with a
special focus on Richard Jefferies' key role in this evolution
4) demonstrate traditional crafts and
environmentally sensitive alternatives that reduce man's impact on the land
5) feature the archaeological qualities
of the area
6) provide educational opportunities for
local people related to an appreciation of nature and living in harmony with it.
