Gouthwaite Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gouthwaite Reservoir |
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Gouthwaite Reservoir
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 Gouthwaite Reservoir
Location in North Yorkshire
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| Location | England |
| Coordinates | 54°6′51″N 1°47′47″W / 54.11417°N 1.79639°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | River Nidd |
| Primary outflows | River Nidd |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Surface area | 312 acres (126 ha) |
| Shore length1 | 4.9 miles (7.9 km) |
| Surface elevation | 433 feet (132 m) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Gouthwaite Reservoir is a large lake built by people, located in a beautiful area called Nidderdale in North Yorkshire, England. It's one of several reservoirs in this region, like Roundhill Reservoir and Angram Reservoir. Gouthwaite Reservoir has a very important job: it helps control the flow of the River Nidd. This means it makes sure the river always has enough water, even when there's not much rain. It also helps prevent floods when there's too much rain.
How Gouthwaite Reservoir Was Built
The reservoir was built a long time ago, between 1893 and 1901. Before the reservoir was filled, an old manor house called Gouthwaite White Hall stood in the valley. This house was the historic home of the Yorke family.
When the reservoir was created, the old hall would have been covered by water. So, it was carefully taken apart and rebuilt right next to the new reservoir. They used many of the original materials from the old hall. Today, this rebuilt Gouthwaite Hall is a special building, protected as a Grade II listed building.
Amazing Wildlife at Gouthwaite Reservoir
Gouthwaite Reservoir is a very special place for nature and is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's recognized for its important plants, animals, and geological features.
Even though the reservoir is owned by the Gouthwaite Management Board, they work with Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency. Together, they have created special viewing spots around the reservoir for people who love to watch birds.
Birds You Can See
The trees and bushes along the edge of the reservoir are perfect homes for small birds. You might spot willow warblers and blackcaps hiding in the leaves. Other birds that live in the nearby woodlands, like great spotted woodpeckers and nuthatches, are also seen here. The green woodpecker has been recorded too.
When winter arrives and many summer birds have left, the areas around the reservoir become great places to see fieldfares and redwings. On the water itself, you'll always find Canada geese. In autumn and winter, they are joined by goosanders and goldeneye. You can also see mallards, tufted ducks, and pochard. Sometimes, Whooper swans, which fly all the way from Iceland, visit the reservoir.
Winter is also a good time to look for birds of prey. You might see buzzards, red kites, hen harriers, merlins, and kestrels flying around the reservoir and the nearby moorland. Ospreys and golden eagles are often seen passing through the area.
Gouthwaite Reservoir is also famous for appearing in the opening credits of the popular UK TV show, Emmerdale.
