Blackbrook Reservoir facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Leicestershire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 33.4 hectares |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Blackbrook Reservoir is a special place in Leicestershire, England. It's a large body of water covering about 33.4 hectares, which is like 82 football fields! This area is so important for nature that it's been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest. You can find it between the towns of Shepshed and Whitwick.
Contents
Building Blackbrook Reservoir
Why Was the Reservoir Built?
Blackbrook Reservoir was first built way back in 1796. Its main job was to supply water to the Charnwood Forest Canal. Canals were like old highways for boats, used to move goods around. However, this canal isn't around anymore.
The First Dam's Trouble
The very first dam built for the reservoir was made of earth. Sadly, it broke on February 20, 1799. In just eleven minutes, all the water rushed out! This caused a big flood that damaged local farms, drowned sheep, and affected towns like Shepshed and Loughborough. The dam was fixed in 1801, but the canal wasn't used much after that.
The Modern Dam's Story
The dam you see today was built much later, in 1906. It's a strong "gravity dam," meaning its own weight holds back the water. The first Mayor of Loughborough, Joseph Griggs, officially opened it. In 1957, the dam even felt a strong earthquake! The tremors made heavy stones move and caused cracks in the dam's walls.
Amazing Nature at the Reservoir
Unique Plants and Flowers
The edges of Blackbrook Reservoir are home to some very special plants. The mix of plants here is found almost nowhere else in the Midlands region of England. It's more common to see these plants in northern parts of the country. One interesting plant is called Juncus filiformis, and this is one of the most southern places it grows.
Special Water Animals
The lake itself is also a safe home for native white-clawed crayfish. These are small, lobster-like creatures that live in fresh water. They are very important because they are isolated here. This means they are safe from the "American signal crayfish", which is an invasive species that can harm the native crayfish.
Exploring the Area
One Barrow Viaduct
You might notice One Barrow Lane crossing the reservoir's south-eastern end. This lane goes over the water on a bridge called the One Barrow Viaduct. It's a cool structure made of blue bricks with three arches. Long ago, it was the driveway to a farm that isn't there anymore.
Public Footpath Access
Good news! The lane is now a public footpath. This means you can walk along it and enjoy the views. The path will eventually lead you to Oaks Road, which is close to Mount St Bernard Abbey.
Who Manages the Reservoir?
The dam and reservoir are looked after by a company called Severn Trent. Right now, the reservoir isn't actively used for water supply. It's important to know that the dam itself is on private land, part of the Grace Dieu & Longcliffe Estate. This means you cannot go onto the dam directly.
