Type Reservoir Max. length 800 metres (2,600 ft) Surface area 58 acres (230,000 m) Length 800 m Mean depth 5.9 m Cities Birmingham | Basin countries United Kingdom Max. width 550 metres (1,800 ft) Max depth 12 m Area 32 ha Width 550 m | |
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Location Ladywood, Birmingham, England Similar Perrott's Folly, Woodgate Valley Country P, Edgbaston Pool, Cannon Hill Park, Bartley Reservoir | ||
Edgbaston reservoir birmingham preview
Edgbaston Reservoir, originally known as Rotton Park Reservoir and referred to in some early maps as Rock Pool Reservoir, is a canal feeder reservoir in Birmingham, England. Despite its name, it is actually situated in Ladywood rather than nearby Edgbaston [1] [2] [3]. It is situated close to Birmingham City Centre and is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.
Contents
- Edgbaston reservoir birmingham preview
- Map of Edgbaston Reservoir Birmingham UK
- Park lives water sports at edgbaston reservoir
- HistoryEdit
- EcologyEdit
- LeisureEdit
- WeatherEdit
- References
Map of Edgbaston Reservoir, Birmingham, UK
Park lives water sports at edgbaston reservoir
HistoryEdit
Originally a small pool named Roach Pool in Rotton Park it was extensively enlarged by Thomas Telford between 1824-1829 to supply water to the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Levels of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) canal system via Icknield Port Loop at the foot of the dam. It was excavated to a depth of 40 feet (12 m) and covers an area of 58 acres (230,000 m2), holding 300,000,000 imperial gallons (1,400,000 m3) of water, and was the largest expanse of water in Birmingham at the time. It is supplied by small streams and a feeder from Titford Reservoir (Titford Pools) in Oldbury. It was formed by damming a small stream. The dam is a 330 metre long earth embankment with a height of 10 metres near the centre.
The reservoir and gatehouse were designed by Thomas Telford and the latter is a listed building in corporate BCN octagonal style. In 1873, it was crossed by Charles Blondin, on a tightrope. His feat is marked by a 1992 statue on the nearby Ladywood Middleway ring road.
EcologyEdit
The reservoir is surrounded by woodland and grassland. The total area of the site is 70 acres (280,000 m2). It supports a variety of birds, in addition to newts and bats.
LeisureEdit
In addition to supplying water to the canals, the reservoir is used for leisure activities including angling, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and rowing.
Edgbaston Reservoir is home to two rowing clubs, Birmingham Rowing Club and the University of Birmingham Boat Club. Both are housed within the same boathouse. The site has also been chosen to house a new Birmingham Schools rowing initiative, with the two aforementioned clubs assisting in the running of the scheme. Birmingham Canoe Club also share the space during the summer months (June - September), paddling on the reservoir.
The Midland Sailing Club is also based at Edgbaston Reservoir, and often race sailing boats around a marked course. Windsurfers also use the reservoir. Further to this, TS Vernon Sea Cadets use the reservoir as a base.
The Reservoir is home to Edgbaston Watersports who provide water and land activities for school, college & youth groups from their base on the Icknield Port Road side of the reservoir.
The Reservoir perimeter provides a pleasant route for joggers, with a gravel and tarmac path throughout its 1.75 mile (2.8 km) circumference.
The fishing season runs from 16 June to 14 March. Licences are available from the Environment Agency.
WeatherEdit
The reservoir usually has a gentle breeze across it due to the lack of large buildings or objects surrounding it, which makes it ideal for sailing.
During winter there can be strong, icy, northerly winds blowing over the city which can freeze the reservoir over due to its exposed northern side (where the dam is situated). In recent years the reservoir has frozen over in both January 2009 and 2010 to the extent it can be walked upon, although this is strongly discouraged.
In the summer the reservoir is often extremely busy with members of the public coming for picnics and walks around the reservoir's perimeter path.