Draycote Water: Difference between revisions

Edit links
Coordinates: 52°19′02″N 1°20′29″W / 52.31727°N 1.34127°W / 52.31727; -1.34127
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
{{Commons category}}
 
(34 intermediate revisions by 19 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Reservoir in Warwickshire, England}}
{{more references|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2018}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2018}}
{{Infobox lake
{{Infobox body of water
| name = Draycote Water
| name = Draycote Water
| image = Draycote Water.jpg
| image = Draycote Water.jpg
| caption =
| caption = Draycote Water
| alt = A lake with pleasure craft docked in the foreground
| image_bathymetry =
| image_bathymetry =
| caption_bathymetry =
| caption_bathymetry =
|pushpin_map=Warwickshire
| location = [[Warwickshire]]
| location = [[Warwickshire]]
| coords = {{coord|52.31727|N|1.34127|W|region:GB_type:waterbody_source:enwiki-osgb36(SP450690)|display=inline,title}}
| coords = {{coord|52.31727|N|1.34127|W|region:GB_type:waterbody_source:enwiki-osgb36(SP450690)|display=inline,title}}
Line 21: Line 23:
| length =
| length =
| width =
| width =
| area = {{convert|2.43|km²|acres}}
| area = {{convert|240|ha|acres}}
| depth = {{convert|19.7|m|ft}}
| depth = {{convert|70|ft|m}}
| max-depth =
| max-depth =
| volume = 22,730,000m³ (5 billion gallons)
| volume = 5 billion [[Imperial gallon|gallons]] (23 million m³)
| residence_time =
| residence_time =
| shore =
| shore =
Line 31: Line 33:
| cities =
| cities =
}}
}}
'''Draycote Water''' is a [[reservoir (water)|reservoir]] and [[country park]] near the village of [[Dunchurch]], {{convert|3.75|mi|km|0}} south of [[Rugby, Warwickshire|Rugby]] in [[Warwickshire]], England, owned and operated by [[Severn Trent Water]]. It supplies [[drinking water]] to [[Rugby, Warwickshire|Rugby]], via [[Barby Storage Reservoir]], is named after the nearby hamlet of [[Draycote]], and is on the [[A426 road]] at {{gbmapping|SP450690}}.
'''Draycote Water''' is a {{convert|240|ha|acres|adj=on}} [[reservoir (water)|reservoir]] and [[country park]] near the village of [[Dunchurch]], {{convert|3.75|mi|km|0}} south of [[Rugby, Warwickshire|Rugby]] in [[Warwickshire]], England, owned and operated by [[Severn Trent Water]]. It draws its water from the [[River Leam]], and supplies [[drinking water]] to Rugby and [[Coventry]]. It is named after the nearby hamlet of [[Draycote]] and is the largest body of water within Warwickshire.


The reservoir was created in the 1960s and was opened in January 1969,<ref>''Aspects of 20th Century Rugby'', Rugby Local History Research Group</ref> and is by far the largest expanse of water in Warwickshire. It covers more than {{convert|600|acre|ha|abbr=on}} and holds up to 5 billion [[Imperial gallon|gallons]] (23 million m³) of water. The water is extracted by a [[tower]] on the northwest side of the reservoir.
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 [[Imperial gallon|gallons]] (23 million m³) and a maximum depth of {{convert|70|ft|m}}.
⚫
[[File:Draycoteextract.JPG|thumbnail|The water extraction tower at Draycote Water]]
The reservoir is filled by water that is pumped uphill from the river Leam at [[Eathorpe]] village and also from a supply at Stanford reservoir north of [[Rugby, Warwickshire|Rugby]].
[[File:Water inlet.JPG|thumbnail|The water inlet of Draycote Water]]
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 {{convert|20|acre|ha|sigfig=1}} [[country park]].

Draycote Water is home to a herd of [[alpacas]].


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.
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 {{convert|20|acre|ha|sigfig=1}} [[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 [[alpaca]]s.


==Description==
==Description==
⚫
[[File:Water inlet.JPG|thumbnail|The water inlet of Draycote Water]]
Draycote Water is an artificial [[reservoir]], which supplies water to southern and eastern Warwickshire, in particular [[Rugby]] and [[Coventry]].<ref name="ST">{{cite web |url=https://www.stwater.co.uk/wonderful-on-tap/our-visitor-sites/come-visit-us/draycote-water/ |work=Severn Trent Water |title=Draycote Water}}</ref> Owned and managed by [[Severn Trent Water]],<ref name="RugbyObserver">{{cite news |url=https://rugbyobserver.co.uk/news/draycote-water-swimming-dangers-spelled-out/ |work=Rugby Observer |title=Draycote Water swimming dangers spelled out |date=30 April 2017}}</ref> it is located just to the south of the [[M45 motorway]] in the hamlet of [[Draycote]], which is close to [[Dunchurch]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=8Q4fJsgiDZgC&pg=PA244 |p=244 |title=Britain |author1=Martin Walters |author2=Bob Gibbons |publisher=Oxford University Press, |year=2003}}</ref> The reservoir has no natural inlets, its water being obtained by pumping from the nearby [[River Leam]].<ref name="ST"/> It has an area of approximately {{convert|240|ha|acres}}, with a maximum depth of {{convert|70|ft|m}}.<ref name="ST"/> The shoreline of the reservoir is a mixture of concrete and natural embankment.<ref name="HarrapRedman">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ATJLAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT369 |loc=213 - Draycote Water (Warwickshire) |title=Where to Watch Birds in Britain |author1=Simon Harrap |author2=Nigel Redman |publisher=A&C Black, |year=2013}}</ref>
Draycote Water is an artificial [[reservoir]], which supplies water to southern and eastern Warwickshire, in particular [[Rugby, Warwickshire|Rugby]] (via [[Barby Storage Reservoir]]<ref name="BBC-4618653">{{cite news |title=Firm says water supply alert over |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/coventry_warwickshire/4618653.stm |access-date=9 April 2024 |work=BBC News |date=24 June 2005}}</ref>) and [[Coventry]].<ref name="ST">{{cite web |url=https://www.stwater.co.uk/wonderful-on-tap/our-visitor-sites/come-visit-us/draycote-water/ |work=Severn Trent Water |title=Draycote Water}}</ref> Owned and managed by [[Severn Trent Water]],<ref name="RugbyObserver">{{cite news |url=https://rugbyobserver.co.uk/news/draycote-water-swimming-dangers-spelled-out/ |work=Rugby Observer |title=Draycote Water swimming dangers spelled out |date=30 April 2017}}</ref> it is located just to the south of the [[M45 motorway]] in the hamlet of [[Draycote]], which is close to [[Dunchurch]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/britain00walt |url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/britain00walt/page/244 244] |title=Britain |author1=Martin Walters |author2=Bob Gibbons |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2003|isbn=978-0-19-850433-7 }}</ref> It is accessed from the [[A426 road]], at {{gbmapping|SP450690}}. The reservoir has no natural inlets, its water being obtained by pumping from the nearby [[River Leam]] and from nearby [[Stanford Reservoir]] which obtains its water from the [[River Avon, Warwickshire|River Avon]].<ref name="ST"/> It has an area of approximately {{convert|240|ha|acres}}, with a maximum depth of {{convert|70|ft|m}} and a capacity of 5 billion [[Imperial gallon|gallons]] (23 million m³).<ref name="ST"/> The shoreline of the reservoir is a mixture of concrete and natural embankment.<ref name="HarrapRedman">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ATJLAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT369 |title=Where to Watch Birds in Britain |author1=Simon Harrap |author2=Nigel Redman |publisher=A&C Black |year=2013|isbn=9781408194195 }}</ref>


Draycote Water was built between 1967 and 1969, to cope with rising demand in eastern and southern Warwickshire, and opened in 1970.<ref name="ST"/> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-17050596 |date=15 February 2012 |work=BBC News |title=Severn Trent's £500,000 bid to fill Draycote reservoir}}</ref> Severn Trent responded by building a new pump and {{convert|9|mi|km}} of pipe, linking the reservoir to a site further downstream on the River Leam in [[Leamington Spa]].<ref>{{cite news |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-17259080 |date=5 March 2012 |title=Draycote reservoir refilled through new pipeline}}</ref>
Draycote Water was built between 1967 and 1969, to cope with rising demand in eastern and southern Warwickshire, and opened in 1970.<ref name="ST"/> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-17050596 |date=15 February 2012 |work=BBC News |title=Severn Trent's £500,000 bid to fill Draycote reservoir}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite news |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-17259080 |date=5 March 2012 |title=Draycote reservoir refilled through new pipeline}}</ref> This development required a short length of new pipe at the Draycote end and a new pump at Leamington.


==Flora and fauna==
==Flora and fauna==
The reservoir features many bird species. This includes the [[great northern diver]], which makes a prolonged visit during the winter months, along with [[kittiwake]] and small numbers of [[Mediterranean gull|Mediterranean]] and [[little gull]]s. There are several species of diving duck with the [[tufted duck]] the most common, numbering around 1,200 individuals. The most common bird at the site is the [[black-headed gull]], which forms the majority of a gull roost of more than 50,000 individuals. A number of waders visit Draycote in the autumn, including the [[ringed plover|ringed]] and [[little ringed plover]].<ref name="HarrapRedman"/>
The reservoir features many bird species. This includes the [[great northern diver]], which makes a prolonged visit during the winter months, along with [[kittiwake]] and small numbers of [[Mediterranean gull|Mediterranean]] and [[little gull]]s. There are several species of diving duck with the [[tufted duck]] the most common, numbering around 1,200 individuals. The most common bird at the site is the [[black-headed gull]], which forms the majority of a gull roost of more than 50,000 individuals. A number of waders visit Draycote in the autumn, including the [[ringed plover|ringed]] and [[little ringed plover]].<ref name="HarrapRedman"/>

The reservoir's fish include the [[brown trout]] and [[rainbow trout]], some with a mass in excess of {{convert|5|kg|lb}}. These are fished for sport, both from boats and from the banks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flyfishdraycote.co.uk/about-us/ |title=About Us |work=Fly Fish Draycote}}</ref>

To the north east of the reservoir is [[Toft, Warwickshire|Toft Farm]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.toftuk.com/Article_Pages_OpeningHoursforToftStudioDunchurch.aspx |work=Toft Farm |title=Visit TOFT Studio HQ in Warwickshire}}</ref> which features a herd of [[alpaca]]s.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/photos-open-day-dunchurch-alpaca-3012500 |work=Coventry Telegraph |date=25 April 2013 |title=PHOTOS: Open day at Dunchurch alpaca farm}}</ref>


==Sport and leisure==
==Sport and leisure==
[[File:Sailing_boats_at_Draycote_Water_(1)_8.22.jpg|thumb|Sailing boats at Draycote Water.]]
Draycote Water has a [[country park]] on its southern shore, which extends across {{convert|21|acres|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 {{convert|5|mi|km}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.therugbytown.co.uk/directory_record/10048/draycote_water_country_park |work=Rugby Town Centre |title=Directory of attractions - Draycote Water Country Park}}</ref> The Draycote Water Sailing Club is situated on the shoreline and offers dinghy sailing and windsurfing as well as races.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://draycotewater.co.uk/ |work=Draycote Water Sailing Club |title=Draycote Water}}</ref>
Draycote Water has a [[country park]] on its southern shore, which extends across {{convert|21|acres|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 {{convert|5|mi|km|0}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.therugbytown.co.uk/directory_record/10048/draycote_water_country_park |work=Rugby Town Centre |title=Directory of attractions - Draycote Water Country Park}}</ref> The Draycote Water Sailing Club is situated on the shoreline and offers dinghy sailing and windsurfing as well as races.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://draycotewater.co.uk/ |work=Draycote Water Sailing Club |title=Draycote Water}}</ref>


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.<ref name="RugbyObserver"/>
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.<ref name="RugbyObserver"/>

==See also==
*[[Stanford Reservoir]]


==References==
==References==
Line 60: Line 65:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}

*[http://www.draycotebirding.co.uk/ Draycote Birding]
*[http://www.draycotebirding.co.uk/ Draycote Birding]
*[http://www.draycotewater.co.uk Draycote Water Sailing Club]
*[http://www.draycotewater.co.uk Draycote Water Sailing Club]

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Country parks in Warwickshire]]
[[Category:Country parks in Warwickshire]]
Line 67: Line 76:
[[Category:Reservoirs in Warwickshire]]
[[Category:Reservoirs in Warwickshire]]
[[Category:Warwickshire Avon catchment|RDraycote]]
[[Category:Warwickshire Avon catchment|RDraycote]]


{{Warwickshire-geo-stub}}

Latest revision as of 14:40, 9 April 2024

Draycote Water
A lake with pleasure craft docked in the foreground
Draycote Water
Draycote Water is located in Warwickshire
Draycote Water
Draycote Water
LocationWarwickshire
Coordinates52°19′02″N 1°20′29″W / 52.31727°N 1.34127°W / 52.31727; -1.34127
Lake typereservoir
Basin countriesUnited Kingdom
Managing agencySevern Trent Water
First flooded1969 (1969)
Surface area240 hectares (590 acres)
Average depth70 feet (21 m)
Water volume5 billion gallons (23 million m³)

Draycote Water is a 240-hectare (590-acre) reservoir and country park near the village of Dunchurch, 3.75 miles (6 km) south of Rugby in Warwickshire, England, owned and operated by Severn Trent Water. It draws its water from the River Leam, and supplies drinking water to Rugby and Coventry. It is named after the nearby hamlet of Draycote and is the largest body of water within Warwickshire.

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 gallons (23 million m³) and a maximum depth of 70 feet (21 m).

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[edit]

The water inlet of Draycote Water

Draycote Water is an artificial reservoir, which supplies water to southern and eastern Warwickshire, in particular Rugby (via Barby Storage Reservoir[1]) and Coventry.[2] Owned and managed by Severn Trent Water,[3] it is located just to the south of the M45 motorway in the hamlet of Draycote, which is close to Dunchurch.[4] It is accessed from the A426 road, at grid reference SP450690. The reservoir has no natural inlets, its water being obtained by pumping from the nearby River Leam and from nearby Stanford Reservoir which obtains its water from the River Avon.[2] It has an area of approximately 240 hectares (590 acres), with a maximum depth of 70 feet (21 m) and a capacity of 5 billion gallons (23 million m³).[2] The shoreline of the reservoir is a mixture of concrete and natural embankment.[5]

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[edit]

The reservoir features many bird species. This includes the great northern diver, which makes a prolonged visit during the winter months, along with kittiwake and small numbers of Mediterranean and little gulls. There are several species of diving duck with the tufted duck the most common, numbering around 1,200 individuals. The most common bird at the site is the black-headed gull, which forms the majority of a gull roost of more than 50,000 individuals. A number of waders visit Draycote in the autumn, including the ringed and little ringed plover.[5]

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[edit]

Sailing boats at Draycote Water.

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[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Firm says water supply alert over". BBC News. 24 June 2005. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d "Draycote Water". Severn Trent Water.
  3. ^ a b "Draycote Water swimming dangers spelled out". Rugby Observer. 30 April 2017.
  4. ^ Martin Walters; Bob Gibbons (2003). Britain. Oxford University Press. p. 244. ISBN 978-0-19-850433-7.
  5. ^ a b Simon Harrap; Nigel Redman (2013). Where to Watch Birds in Britain. A&C Black. ISBN 9781408194195.
  6. ^ "Severn Trent's £500,000 bid to fill Draycote reservoir". BBC News. 15 February 2012.
  7. ^ "Draycote reservoir refilled through new pipeline". BBC News. 5 March 2012.
  8. ^ "About Us". Fly Fish Draycote.
  9. ^ "Visit TOFT Studio HQ in Warwickshire". Toft Farm.
  10. ^ "PHOTOS: Open day at Dunchurch alpaca farm". Coventry Telegraph. 25 April 2013.
  11. ^ "Directory of attractions - Draycote Water Country Park". Rugby Town Centre.
  12. ^ "Draycote Water". Draycote Water Sailing Club.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Draycote Water.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draycote_Water&oldid=1218068112"