Westport Lake, Stoke-on-Trent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Westport Lake |
|
|---|---|
Looking across the lake
|
|
 Westport Lake
Location in Staffordshire
|
|
| Location | Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire |
| Coordinates | 53°2′53″N 2°12′53″W / 53.04806°N 2.21472°W |
| Max. length | 0.38 kilometres (0.24 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.32 kilometres (0.20 mi) |
Westport Lake is a wonderful lake and a local nature reserve in Stoke-on-Trent, England. It's located in the county of Staffordshire. The lake is about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) south of a town called Tunstall. You can find it right next to the famous Trent and Mersey Canal.
Westport Lake is the biggest area of water in Stoke-on-Trent. It's a great spot for nature lovers and families. You can enjoy a nice walk around the lake. The path is flat and about 1 mile (1.6 km) long.
Contents
Who Looks After Westport Lake?
Westport Lake is owned by the Canal and River Trust. This group takes care of many canals and rivers in England. The lake is managed by two important organizations. These are the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. They work together to keep the lake special.
The Visitor Centre
At Westport Lake, you'll find a modern visitor centre. It has a cozy café where you can grab a snack. There's also a balcony overlooking the lake. It's a perfect spot to relax and watch the water. The centre also has rooms for meetings or events.
The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust helps run the visitor centre. They have another visitor centre too. It's called the Wolseley Centre and is located near Rugeley.
Wildlife at the Lake
Westport Lake is home to many different kinds of birds. You can often see various types of waterfowl swimming on the water. These include ducks, geese, and swans.
A Winter Home for Birds
The lake is a very important place for birds in winter. Many species of birds travel here to spend the colder months. This makes it an "overwintering site." It's a safe and warm place for them to find food and rest. Birdwatchers love visiting Westport Lake, especially in winter.
History of Westport Lake
Westport Lake has an interesting past. It wasn't always a nature reserve.
From Resort to Nature Spot
In the 1890s, the lake was a popular place for fun. It was developed as a "pleasure resort." People would come here to enjoy themselves. However, over time, the area changed. It became a less cared-for place.
In the 1970s, a big project began. This project aimed to clean up and improve the area. It was one of the first projects in Stoke-on-Trent to bring nature back. In 1972, Westport Lake officially opened again. It became a place for both recreation and nature conservation. Today, it's a beautiful example of how a place can be brought back to life.
