Pitsford Water
| Pitsford Water | |
|---|---|
 Northern section of Pitsford Water, with mute swans and dragonfly sculpture | |
| Location | Northamptonshire |
| Coordinates | 52°19′5″N 0°52′0″W / 52.31806°N 0.86667°WCoordinates: 52°19′5″N 0°52′0″W / 52.31806°N 0.86667°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Surface area | 2.85 sq mi (7.4 km2) |
Pitsford Water is a reservoir in Northamptonshire, England. The reservoir was built in 1956 to supply the town of Northampton, which is about 6 miles to the south. Holcot bridge was drowned when it filled and was replaced by a causeway a quarter mile further south. The water is the 34th largest in England and Wales, with a surface area of 2.85 square miles.[1] Operated by Anglian Water, the reservoir is near the village of Pitsford, from which it is named. It is also close to Brixworth village and Brixworth Country Park, with Holcot on its eastern side. The northern half of the reservoir is designated as a nature reserve, but Pitsford Water is also used for sailing, birdwatching and fishing, which is limited to Pike/Predator fishing and fly fishing for the brown trout and rainbow trout.
Pitsford was granted funding from the Millennium Commission, which enabled the creation of Brixworth Country Park, including a cycle hire/shop, a restaurant, many activities and play areas for children. This has brought many people to the reservoir enjoying walking and cycling alike. There is a 7 miles (11 km) waterside track for walking or cycling around the main section of the reservoir, including a pathway along its dam.
SSSI status
Pitsford Water was made a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1970. It is designated for general flora and fauna. Birdlife includes wintering northern shoveller and breeding great crested grebe, little grebe, teal, kingfisher and reed warbler. There is also a colony of the uncommon Essex skipper butterfly.[2]
References
- ↑ Pitsford water park Anglian Water
- ↑ Pitsford SSSI citation English Nature