The conservation value of water supply reservoirs

Abstract

AbstractThere are over 500 water supply reservoirs in England and Wales, a total water surface of 20000 hectares, much of which has been flooded this century. Waterfowl, amphibious and aquatic wildlife have all benefited from this change, especially important after so much wetland has been drained and ploughed to increase agricultural production. Modern reservoirs include landscape and conservation in their planning, construction and operation, often leading to their notification as Sites of Special Scientific Interest soon after their construction. Examples in the Anglian Water and Thames Water regions are discussed to demonstrate their value to wildlife as well as fulfilling their prime function for water supply. Pitsford Water (Northamptonshire), Rutland Water (Leicestershire), Staines Reservoirs (Surrey), and Walthamstow Reservoirs (Greater London) show varying levels of conservation planning. Protection from recreational activity is shown to be an essential part of management at these sites.