Cameron Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cameron Reservoir |
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Cameron Reservoir, east dam
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 Cameron Reservoir
Location in Scotland
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| Location | Cameron, Fife, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 56°17′24″N 2°51′14″W / 56.290°N 2.854°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Surface area | 69 hectares (170 acres) |
Cameron Reservoir is an important artificial lake in eastern Fife, Scotland. It is found near the village of Cameron. This large body of water covers about 69 hectares, which is like 170 football fields! It was built to help supply clean drinking water to homes in the area.
Cameron Reservoir is also a very special home for many plants and animals. It has lots of water plants and plants that grow along its edges.
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Discover Cameron Reservoir
Cameron Reservoir is not a natural lake. It was created by people to store water. This type of artificial lake is called a reservoir. Reservoirs are very important because they help make sure we have enough water for drinking, washing, and other daily needs.
What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir is like a giant storage tank for water. Engineers build a dam across a river or valley. This dam holds back the water, forming a large lake. The water collected in the reservoir is then treated and sent to homes and businesses.
- Water Supply: Cameron Reservoir helps provide fresh water for people living in Fife.
- Flood Control: Sometimes, reservoirs can also help control floods by holding back excess rainwater.
- Wildlife Habitat: As you'll learn, many reservoirs become important places for wildlife.
Home for Amazing Wildlife
Cameron Reservoir is a fantastic place for many different kinds of wildlife. It is especially known for being a winter home for thousands of pink-footed geese. These geese fly all the way from places like Greenland and Iceland to spend the colder months in Scotland.
- Pink-footed Geese: Every autumn, huge flocks of pink-footed geese arrive at the reservoir. They rest and feed here before heading back north in the spring. It's an amazing sight to see so many birds together!
- Other Birds: Many other bird species also visit or live at the reservoir. These include ducks, swans, and wading birds.
- Plants: The reservoir has special plants that grow in the water and along its shores. These plants provide food and shelter for the animals.
Protecting This Special Place
Because Cameron Reservoir is so important for wildlife, especially the pink-footed geese, it has been given special protection.
- Ramsar Site: It is recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. This is an international agreement to protect wetlands around the world.
- Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): In Scotland, it is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means the area has special plants, animals, or geology that needs to be protected.
- Special Protection Area (SPA): It is also a Special Protection Area. This is a European designation for places that are important for wild birds.
These protections help make sure that the reservoir and its wildlife are kept safe for future generations to enjoy. It's a great example of how we can use natural resources like water while also protecting nature.
