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Rutland Water
*** Shopping-Tip: Rutland Water
Image:Rutland water light.jpg thumb|right|300px|Here, light reflects off the lapping water of Rutland Water. The reservoir gives peace and leisure to many.'''Rutland Water''' is a
reservoir (water) reservoir in the county of
Rutland,
England, just east of the county town
Oakham. It was known as '''Empingham Reservoir''' during its construction and until its official opening in
1976. Its global coordinates are N52°40'W0°40'. The centre of its dam is at British national
grid reference {{gbmappingsmall|SK942078}}. It provides a reserve supply of
water in the driest and most densely populated quarter of the
United Kingdom and is one of the largest artificial
lakes in
Europe. By surface area it is the largest reservoir in
England, but by capacity it is exceeded by
Kielder Water.
The site includes the lake and 3,100 acres (13 km²) of open country. Since the water is drawn upon when needed, the relative areas of land and water vary a little but the flatter parts of the lake margin are enclosed by banks so that the
wetland nature reserve is maintained ({{gbmapping|SK886073}}).
Construction
Its construction by
damming the
River Gwash Gwash Valley near Empingham was completed in
1975. It flooded six or seven square kilometres of the Gwash valley as well as the side valley at the head of which lies Oakham.
Nether Hambleton and most of
Middle Hambleton were demolished and their
water well wells were plugged as part of the ground preparation. Their neighbouring village of
Upper Hambleton survived, and now sits on a peninsula within the lake known as the
Hambleton Peninsula. The Gwash makes a net input to the lake but its flow downstream is maintained. Most of the stored water is extracted from the
River Welland at {{gbmapping.html">Stamford, Lincolnshire
Stamford and from the
River Nene upstream from
Peterborough, a city which is a major user of the water.
Community
Upper Hambleton and the remnant of Middle Hambleton, including the Old Hall, are now known simply as
Hambleton, Rutland Hambleton and are to be found on a long
peninsula in the middle of the lake: land which was formerly a ridge between the two valleys in which the lake now lies. The few houses of
Normanton, Rutland Normanton avoided flooding although its church did not. The lower part of the building was supported against water damage so that its upper part could be used to present the story of the construction of the reservoir to the public. Some
Monumental inscription funerary monuments from it can be seen at
Edenham, Lincolnshire Edenham church,
Lincolnshire.
Recreation
Image:Normanton church clouds.jpg thumb|right|300px|Sailing boats on the reservoir are visible behind the Normanton church museum.The reservoir is used not just for water storage, but is a popular sports centre - as well as
water sports such as sailing, visitors enjoy
fishing,
walking and
cycling along a 25 mile (40 km) perimeter track. A pleasure cruiser carries people around the lake.
Birdwatching brings visitors from far afield.
Wildlife
The lake and its surroundings comprise two
nature reserves now designated a
Special Protection Area of international importance for its wintering populations of
Gadwall (some 4% of this species’ European population) and
Northern Shoveler Shoveler. It is home to the
Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre. Every August, the centre is the venue for the
British Birdwatching Fair. Other birds found here include
Lapwing,
Eurasian Coot Coot,
Common Goldeneye Goldeneye,
Tufted Duck,
Pochard,
Common Teal Teal,
Wigeon,
Great Cormorant Cormorant,
Great Crested Grebe,
Little Grebe and, most notably,
Osprey.
External links
-
Info
-
The history of the Empingham Reservoir (Rutland Water)
-
Anglian Water's page
-
Nature Reserves
-
Special Protection Area data
*{{placeopedia|id=4999|title=Rutland Water}}
Category:Lakes of England
Category:Ramsar sites in England
Category:Rutland
Category:Special protection areas in the United Kingdom
Category:Reservoirs in England
*** Shopping-Tip: Rutland Water
