High Maynard Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids High Maynard Reservoir |
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 High Maynard Reservoir
Location in London Borough of Waltham Forest
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| Location | London Borough of Waltham Forest |
| Coordinates | 51°35′20″N 0°02′48″W / 51.5889°N 0.0466°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Max. depth | 5.8 m (19 ft) |
| Water volume | 0.68 Gl (0.15×109 imp gal; 550 acre⋅ft) |
The High Maynard Reservoir is a large lake in Walthamstow, which is part of the London Borough of Waltham Forest. It's a special kind of lake called a reservoir. Reservoirs are built to store water, and this one helps supply clean drinking water to people living in London.
It's also part of a group of reservoirs known as the Lee Valley Reservoir Chain. These reservoirs work together to make sure London has enough water.
Contents
History of High Maynard Reservoir
How the Reservoir Was Built
The High Maynard Reservoir was built a long time ago, in the middle of the 1800s. This was around the 1850s. Before it was a reservoir, the land was mostly marshland, which is wet, soggy ground.
Who Built and Manages It
The reservoir was first built by a company called the East London Waterworks Company. They were in charge of providing water to parts of London back then. Today, the reservoir is owned and looked after by Thames Water. This is a big company that supplies water to many homes and businesses in London and the surrounding areas.
Wildlife and Nature at the Reservoir
A Special Place for Nature
The High Maynard Reservoir is not just important for water supply. It's also a very special place for nature. It has been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means the area is protected because it has important plants, animals, or geological features. It's like a national treasure for nature!
Birds and Plants
In the colder months, many cormorants come to the reservoir. These are large, dark birds that are excellent at fishing. They often gather on the island in the middle of the reservoir to rest. Sometimes, so many cormorants gather here that their numbers become important for the whole country!
The edges of the reservoir are also home to many interesting plants. Some of these plant species are quite rare in Greater London. This makes the reservoir an important spot for plant conservation too.
Fun Activities at the Reservoir
Open to Everyone
The High Maynard Reservoir is a great place for people to visit and enjoy the outdoors. It's open to the public, so you can go there to relax and have fun.
Popular Hobbies
Many people enjoy birdwatching at the reservoir. With all the cormorants and other birds, it's a fantastic spot to see different species. Walkers also love the paths around the water, which offer nice views and a peaceful environment. If you enjoy fishing, the reservoir is also popular with anglers. They come to catch fish in its waters.
