Sheepwashes, washpools or dips are found all over the cotswolds. They are evidence of the former importance of sheep farming. Manmade, they are ‘baths’ or ponds where sheep were washed clean before shearing. There are several different styles or shape of sheepwash, many have sluices and channels to control the flow of water and there are often ramps to help the animals get out. They are no longer used. Many have fallen into disrepair and are hard to find under crumbling banks, encroaching undergrowth or even large trees.

This project involved people across the cotswold counties. It was set up by the cotswold aonb Partnership and had two parts. The first was a survey, investigation and assessment to record the cotswold sheepwashes. The second part was the restoration of three sheepwashes. The attached two leaflets, one from each part, have information, pictures and maps about who did what where.

The whole project was itself a part of a much longer story of 20 years or more about finding and restoring sheepwashes in the cotswold aonb. The cotswold Voluntary Warden Service have restored several sheepwashes and accumulated information that enriched this project.