Llandegfedd Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Llandegfedd Reservoir |
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 Llandegfedd Reservoir
Location in Torfaen
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| Location | South Wales |
| Coordinates | 51°42′N 2°58′W / 51.700°N 2.967°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Surface area | 434 acres (176 ha) |
| Website | http://www.llandegfedd.co.uk |
Llandegfedd Reservoir (also known as Llandegveth Reservoir) is a large reservoir in south Wales. It helps supply water to homes and businesses. The reservoir covers about 174 hectares (434 acres). It is located about 13 km (8 miles) north of Newport. The towns of Pontypool, Cwmbran, and Usk are also very close by. The border between Monmouthshire and Torfaen counties runs right through the reservoir.
Contents
History of Llandegfedd Reservoir
Llandegfedd Reservoir first opened in May 1965. It was built by the Newport Corporation. Today, Welsh Water manages the reservoir. It is an important source of water for the area. The reservoir is found near the small village of Coed-y-paen.
Managing the Reservoir for Fun and Nature
Llandegfedd Reservoir is managed carefully. This ensures it is good for both people and wildlife. There is a special plan for recreation and conservation. Different parts of the reservoir are used for different activities. This helps keep everyone safe and protects nature.
Special Zones for Activities
The reservoir has different zones, or areas, for various uses:
- Conservation Areas: These are shallow parts of the northern waters. They are important for wild birds. Birds use these areas to spend the winter, find food, and build nests.
- Sailing and Windsurfing: Most of the reservoir is open for sailing and windsurfing.
- Diving: Deeper waters near the water outlet are used for diving.
- Canoeing: The southern part of the reservoir is set aside for canoeing.
- Boat Fishing: You can fish from a boat in most areas, except for the conservation and diving zones.
- Bank Fishing: Some parts of the shore are safe for fishing from the bank. These areas avoid other users and dangerous spots.
Seasonal Rules for Activities
Some activities can only happen during certain times of the year:
- Sailing: The main sailing season is from March to October. You can also sail for a few hours on Sundays during winter.
- Fly-fishing: The fishing season for fly-fishing is from March to October.
- Diving: Diving is mostly a winter activity. This is because the water is clearer in winter.
You can get more information about these rules from the rangers at the reservoir.
Fun Activities at Llandegfedd
The land around the reservoir is a country park. It offers many fun things to do for visitors.
- Sailing and Windsurfing: There is a sailing and windsurfing school here. It is recognized by the R.Y.A. The school is open from Easter until October.
- Boat and Equipment Hire: You can rent dinghies, windsurfers, and canoes.
- Fishing: Fishing is also a very popular activity on and around the lake.
You can buy tickets for a single day or season passes for water sports.
Fishing at the Reservoir
Llandegfedd Reservoir is home to several types of fish. You might catch rainbow trout, bream, roach, pike, and perch. The reservoir is especially famous for its large pike. One of the biggest pike ever caught in the UK came from here. It weighed 46 lb 13oz (about 21.2 kg). Roy Lewis caught this huge fish in October 1992.
Birds of Llandegfedd Reservoir
The reservoir is a great place for birdwatching. Many different kinds of birds visit or live here.
Winter Birds
In winter, you can see many wildfowl. These include large numbers of wigeon, teal, and pochard. You might also spot goldeneye and ruddy duck. Bewick's swan and goosander often use the reservoir as a safe place to rest. The swans feed in nearby meadows, and the goosanders may come from the River Usk. Sometimes, you can see rarer birds like divers, grebes, and sea ducks. These include the long-tailed duck. Many gulls, like common gull, herring gull, and black-headed gulls, also rest here. In the trees by the water, you might find siskin and redpoll.
Resident and Visiting Birds
Birds that live at the reservoir all year include the great crested grebe, sparrowhawk, and buzzard. Cormorant and grey heron visit regularly. Sometimes, you might even see merlin, peregrine, and goshawk.
Migratory Birds
Many wading birds pass through the reservoir during migration. These include ringed plover, little ringed plover, oystercatcher, common sandpiper, and green sandpipers. Other migrating birds that have been seen here are osprey and hobby. The yellow wagtail is a summer visitor that breeds at the reservoir.
