is a
Reservoir in the county of
Rutland ,
England , just east of the county town
Oakham . It was known as '''Empingham Reservoir''' during its construction and until its official opening in
1976 . The centre of its dam is at British national
Grid Reference . It provides a reserve supply of
Water in the driest and most densely populated quarter of the
United Kingdom and is one of the largest artificial
Lake s in
Europe . By surface area it is the largest reservoir in
England , but by capacity it is exceeded by
Kielder Water .
Set in 3,100 acres of countryside, the reservoir offers something for everyone in an exciting yet peaceful environment. It has a 25-mile circular track for walking and you can hire a cycle or bring your own.
East Midlands Attractions , retrieved 06.09.07. Since the water is drawn upon when needed, the relative areas of land and water vary a little but the flatter parts of the lake margin are enclosed by banks so that the
Wetland Nature Reserve is maintained ().
Its construction by
Dam ming the
Gwash Valley near
Empingham was completed in
1975 . It flooded six or seven square kilometres of the Gwash valley as well as the side valley at the head of which lies Oakham.
Nether Hambleton and most of
Middle Hambleton were demolished and their
Well s were plugged as part of the ground preparation. Their neighbouring village of
Upper Hambleton survived, and now sits on a peninsula within the lake known as the
Hambleton Peninsula . The Gwash makes a net input to the lake but its flow downstream is maintained. Most of the stored water is extracted from the
River Welland at , between
Tinwell and
Stamford and from the
River Nene upstream from
Peterborough , a city which is a major user of the water.
Upper Hambleton and the remnant of Middle Hambleton, including the Old Hall, are now known simply as avoided flooding although its church did not. The lower part of the building was supported against water damage so that its upper part could be used to present the story of the construction of the reservoir to the public. Some
Funerary Monuments from it can be seen at
Edenham church,
Lincolnshire .
The reservoir is used not just for water storage, but is a popular sports centre - as well as ,
Walking and
Cycling along a 25 mile (40 km) perimeter track. A pleasure cruiser, the ''Rutland Belle'', carries people around the lake.
Birdwatching brings visitors from far afield. The Butterfly and Aquatic centre provides an indoor attraction.
Large areas of wetland (as well as several small woods) at the western end of the lake form a
Nature Reserve , managed by
Leicestershire And Rutland Wildlife Trust . The area is designated a
Special Protection Area of international importance for its wintering populations of
Gadwall (some 4% of this species’ European population) and
Shoveler . It is home to the
Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre. Every August, the centre is the venue for the
British Birdwatching Fair . Other birds found here include
Lapwing ,
Coot ,
Goldeneye ,
Tufted Duck ,
Pochard ,
Teal ,
Wigeon ,
Cormorant ,
Great Crested Grebe ,
Little Grebe and, most notably,
Osprey .
The lake itself is extensively stocked with fish.
