Saddington Reservoir facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Leicestershire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 19.1 hectares (47 acres) |
| Notification | 1999 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Saddington Reservoir is a special place in Leicestershire, England. It's a large body of water that helps supply the Grand Union Canal. This reservoir is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, often called an SSSI. This means it's protected because of its amazing nature and wildlife.
Contents
What is Saddington Reservoir?
Saddington Reservoir is a big lake that covers about 19.1 hectares (that's like 47 football fields!). It's located south of a village called Saddington. The main job of this reservoir is to provide water for the nearby Grand Union Canal.
Building the Reservoir
People started building Saddington Reservoir a long time ago, between 1793 and 1797. That's over 200 years ago! It was a big project to make sure the canal had enough water to operate. Canals need a lot of water to let boats travel through them.
Nature and Wildlife at the Reservoir
Saddington Reservoir is a fantastic home for many different plants and animals. It has several types of wet areas, called wetland habitats.
Different Habitats
- Open Water: This is the main part of the reservoir where you see the wide-open water. Many birds and fish live here.
- Wet Willow Woodland: Around the edges, there are areas with willow trees that love wet ground. These mini-forests provide shelter for animals.
- Swamp: Some parts are very wet, almost like a marsh, with special plants that grow in soggy soil.
Amazing Beetles
The reservoir is especially important for insects, particularly beetles. Some beetles found here are "nationally scarce." This means they are rare across the country and need special protection.
Here are a few of the rare beetles you might find:
- Carabus monilis
- Atheta basicornis
- Eledona agricola
- Gyrophaena lucidula
These tiny creatures are a big reason why Saddington Reservoir is a protected SSSI!
Visiting Saddington Reservoir
Good news! You can visit Saddington Reservoir and explore its natural beauty. It's a great place to go for a walk, enjoy nature, and maybe even spot some of the special wildlife. Remember to always respect the environment when you visit.
