Stithians Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stithians Reservoir |
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 Stithians Reservoir
Location in Cornwall
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| Location | Cornwall TR16 6NW |
| Coordinates | 50°10′54″N 5°12′16″W / 50.18167°N 5.20444°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | England, United Kingdom |
| Surface area | 1.1 km2 (0.42 sq mi) |
| Water volume | 5,205 megalitres (4,220 acre⋅ft) |
| Settlements | Stithians, Cornwall |
Stithians Reservoir is a large, artificial lake located in Cornwall, England. It sits less than a mile west of the village of Stithians. A reservoir is a place where water is collected and stored, usually for people to drink or use.
Building Stithians Reservoir: A Look Back
Work on building the dam for Stithians Reservoir started on July 19, 1962. However, they soon discovered a problem. The ground beneath the site was very soft rock, which would make building a strong dam difficult and expensive.
Because of this, the original plans had to change. Engineers designed a new, arched dam that could handle the soft ground. This new design is what you see today. The dam was officially opened on October 13, 1967, by Sir John Carew Pole. The Bishop of Truro, Dr. Maurice Key, also blessed the new reservoir.
When the dam was finished in 1967, the valley behind it filled with water. This meant that 274 acres of farmland and three country houses became submerged under the new lake. To help people get around, two special bridges called causeways were built. These causeways carry roads over the water where they used to be flooded. One is at the south end of the reservoir, and the other is in the northwest corner, near the Golden Lion Inn.
Facts and Figures About the Dam
The dam at Stithians Reservoir is quite large. It stands about 41.5 meters (136 feet) high. It is also 244 meters (801 feet) wide.
Building the dam cost a total of £1,125,000 at the time. This amount would be worth about £17 million today, showing how big of a project it was!
Fun Activities at Stithians Lake
Stithians Lake is a great place for outdoor fun! There's an Outdoor Activity Centre right by the water. Here, you can try many different watersports.
- Sailing: Glide across the water in a sailboat.
- Windsurfing: Combine sailing and surfing for an exciting ride.
- Kayaking: Paddle a small boat by yourself or with a friend.
- SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding): Stand on a board and paddle across the lake.
- Canoeing: Enjoy a peaceful paddle in a canoe.
Besides watersports, you can also enjoy other activities. Many people come here for bird watching, as the reservoir attracts various bird species. It's also a popular spot for fly fishing, especially for trout. If you want to stay longer, there's even a campsite where you can pitch a tent.
