Wistlandpound Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wistlandpound Reservoir |
|
|---|---|
The reservoir from the south bank
|
|
 Wistlandpound Reservoir
Location in Devon
|
|
| Location | Devon |
| Coordinates | 51°09′30″N 3°56′36″W / 51.15839°N 3.94333°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Surface area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
Wistlandpound Reservoir is a large lake in Devon, England. It was built by people to store water. This important reservoir helps supply drinking water to nearby towns. It is also a very popular place for fun outdoor activities.
Contents
About Wistlandpound Reservoir
Wistlandpound Reservoir was finished in 1957. It is an earth embankment reservoir, meaning it has a large wall made of earth to hold back the water. The reservoir can hold a huge amount of water, about 1,550 megalitres. That's like 341 million gallons! The water covers an area of 40 acres (16 hectares).
The reservoir is owned by South West Water. This company makes sure that people in the area have clean drinking water.
Fun Activities Here
Wistlandpound Reservoir is located very close to Exmoor National Park. It is a popular spot for people to visit and enjoy nature. The area around the reservoir is managed by two groups: The Forestry Commission and The South West Lakes Trust.
Many fun activities happen here. People enjoy watching birds, trying to catch trout fish, and going boating. There are also many paths for nature walks, where you can explore the beautiful surroundings.
A Special Place for Everyone
The Calvert Trust has a special centre right at Wistlandpound Reservoir. This centre provides holidays and activities for people with disabilities and their families. It helps everyone enjoy the outdoors and have a great time, no matter their abilities.
The Old Railway Line
When the reservoir was built, it flooded part of an old railway line. This was the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway. If the water levels in the reservoir are low, you can still see parts of the old railway tracks!
The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway is being rebuilt. However, the new railway will take a different path around the side of the reservoir. This way, it won't be flooded again.
Supplying Water
The main purpose of Wistlandpound Reservoir is to provide water. It supplies drinking water to several towns in the area. These include Combe Martin, Barnstaple, and Ilfracombe. It became even more important for these towns after the Slade reservoirs were no longer used for water supply.
