List of reservoirs on Dartmoor
Over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, several
Early schemes to use the moors as a source of drinking water involved the construction of water channels called
The first Dartmoor reservoir (Tottiford) opened in 1861 and heralded a busy era of dam construction which continued through to 1907, by which time the Dartmoor area was the site of five reservoirs. Three more were to follow during the course of the mid to late 20th century. A fourth, in the valley of the River Swincombe was rejected by the advisory committee of the County Council.[2]
A few long-established Dartmoor farms had to be abandoned and disappeared under the water as a result. During years of drought, some ruins can once again become visible. At Fernworthy, for example, low water levels often reveal the remains of Fernworthy Farm and a small
Reservoir | Image | Coordinates | OS grid ref | Opened | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tottiford | 50°38′10″N 3°40′59″W / 50.636°N 3.683°W | SX810832 | 1861 | Expanded 1865. Fed by Kennick Reservoir | |
Kennick | 50°38′49″N 3°41′38″W / 50.647°N 3.694°W | SX803843 | 1884 | Fed by three minor streams | |
Burrator | 50°30′00″N 4°02′20″W / 50.500°N 4.039°W | SX554686 | 1898 | Expanded 1929. Fed by River Meavy, Narrator Brook, Newleycombe Lake, Sheepstor Brook and the Devonport Leat. Includes Sheepstor Dam. | |
Venford | 50°31′26″N 3°51′22″W / 50.524°N 3.856°W | SX685709 | 1907 | ||
Trenchford | 50°37′48″N 3°41′28″W / 50.630°N 3.691°W | SX805824 | 1907 | Fed by Trenchford Stream | |
Fernworthy | 50°38′28″N 3°53′20″W / 50.641°N 3.889°W | SX665840 | 1942 | Fed by South Teign River , Assycombe Brook, Lowton Brook and others
| |
Avon Dam | 50°28′23″N 3°51′54″W / 50.473°N 3.865°W | SX677653 | 1957 | Fed by River Avon and Brockhill Stream | |
Meldon | 50°42′11″N 4°02′24″W / 50.703°N 4.040°W | SX560912 | 1972 | Fed by West Okement River |
References
- ^ "What Future for Dartmoor's Water Resources?". The Dartmoor Society. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
- ISBN 978-0-00-718499-6.