Blithfield Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blithfield Reservoir |
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Blithfield Reservoir
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 Blithfield Reservoir
Location in Staffordshire
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| Location | Blithbury, Staffordshire, England |
| Coordinates | 52°48′32″N 1°55′08″W / 52.809°N 1.919°W |
| Type | Drinking water reservoir |
| Primary inflows | River Blithe, Tad Brook |
| Primary outflows | River Blithe |
| Managing agency | South Staffordshire Water |
| Built | 1953 |
| Max. length | 1.88 miles (3.03 km) |
| Max. width | 0.6 miles (0.97 km) |
| Surface area | 3.19 square kilometres (790 acres) |
| Max. depth | 16 metres (52 ft) |
| Water volume | 18,172,000m3 (4 billion gallons) |
| Shore length1 | 5.9 miles (9.5 km) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Blithfield Reservoir is a big man-made lake in Staffordshire, England. It holds water that will be cleaned and used for drinking. The reservoir is owned by a company called South Staffordshire Water.
This large reservoir was created on land bought in the 1940s. It was officially opened on Tuesday, October 27, 1953. The opening ceremony was attended by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who was a very important member of the Royal Family.
The reservoir is located near the town of Rugeley and the village of Abbots Bromley.
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A Home for Wildlife
Blithfield Reservoir is a wonderful place for many animals, especially birds. Because of its importance for wildlife, the reservoir and its nearby woodlands were given a special title in 1988. They became a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means the area is protected because it has rare plants, animals, or geological features.
Birdwatching at Blithfield
Many parts of the reservoir's edge and the surrounding woods are great for birdwatching. Some areas need a special pass from the West Midland Bird Club to visit. However, you can see a lot of the open water from the road that crosses the reservoir. You can also visit the area near the dam.
The reservoir has an education center. This center helps school groups learn about the environment and wildlife found at Blithfield.
Rare Birds Visit
Blithfield Reservoir is a popular stop for many rare migrant birds. These are birds that travel long distances. Some unusual birds that have been seen here include:
- An Arctic warbler (in 1993)
- A Bonaparte's gull (in 1994 and 1996)
- A blue-winged teal (in 1996 and 2000)
- A squacco heron (in 2004)
Fun Activities
Blithfield Reservoir offers chances for people to enjoy nature.
Fishing
In the past, fishing at Blithfield was only for special members. But now, anyone can buy a day ticket to go fly fishing. You can get these tickets from the Estate Office.
Walks and Exploration
There are also many walks around Blithfield Reservoir. These walks let people explore the area and see the wildlife up close. It's a great way to spend time outdoors and learn about nature.
