Draycote Water
Draycote Water | |
---|---|
gallons (23 million m³) |
Draycote Water is a 240-hectare (590-acre)
The reservoir was created in the 1960s and was opened in 1970, with a new pipe and pump installed in 2012. It has a capacity of up to 5 billion
It is a site for birdwatching and has a bird hide, with a feeding station sponsored by the West Midland Bird Club. Severn-Trent manage an adjacent 20 acres (8 ha) country park. Draycote is used by cyclists, runners, windsurfers, fly fishers and for boating. Fishing is for brown trout and rainbow trout from the banks or from boats. A farm to the north east of the site has a herd of alpacas.
Description
Draycote Water is an artificial
Draycote Water was built between 1967 and 1969, to cope with rising demand in eastern and southern Warwickshire, and opened in 1970.[2] In early 2012 the reservoir had to be closed temporarily, as record-low rainfall during the winter months had caused its level to reduce to less than 50% of capacity.[6] Severn Trent responded by reversing the flow of water in an existing pipeline between Draycote Water and Welches Meadow Reservoir adjacent to the River Leam in Leamington Spa.[7] This development required a short length of new pipe at the Draycote end and a new pump at Leamington.
Flora and fauna
The reservoir features many bird species. This includes the
The reservoir's fish include the brown trout and rainbow trout, some with a mass in excess of 5 kilograms (11 lb). These are fished for sport, both from boats and from the banks.[8]
To the north east of the reservoir is Toft Farm,[9] which features a herd of alpacas.[10]
Sport and leisure
Draycote Water has a country park on its southern shore, which extends across 21 acres (8.5 ha). The park has facilities for bird watching and fishing, as well as several nature trails and a visitor centre. A track around the perimeter allows cyclists and walkers to circumnavigate the reservoir, a total distance of 5 miles (8 km).[11] The Draycote Water Sailing Club is situated on the shoreline and offers dinghy sailing and windsurfing as well as races.[12]
The reservoir's owner, Severn Trent Water, warns the public not to swim in the reservoir, citing the large depth, potentially cold temperatures, and the risk of currents caused by the pumps which supply the water.[3]
See also
References
- ^ "Firm says water supply alert over". BBC News. 24 June 2005. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Draycote Water". Severn Trent Water.
- ^ a b "Draycote Water swimming dangers spelled out". Rugby Observer. 30 April 2017.
- ISBN 978-0-19-850433-7.
- ^ ISBN 9781408194195.
- ^ "Severn Trent's £500,000 bid to fill Draycote reservoir". BBC News. 15 February 2012.
- ^ "Draycote reservoir refilled through new pipeline". BBC News. 5 March 2012.
- ^ "About Us". Fly Fish Draycote.
- ^ "Visit TOFT Studio HQ in Warwickshire". Toft Farm.
- ^ "PHOTOS: Open day at Dunchurch alpaca farm". Coventry Telegraph. 25 April 2013.
- ^ "Directory of attractions - Draycote Water Country Park". Rugby Town Centre.
- ^ "Draycote Water". Draycote Water Sailing Club.