Derwent Reservoir is the second largest reservoir in the North East at 404.9 hectares. The south-western area of the reservoir has been managed as a nature reserve since 1967 on account of its breeding birds and wildfowl interest. A diverse range of species are found roosting and feeding here, including mallard, teal, coot, moorhen, tufted duck, pochard, goldeneye, goosander and greylag geese. Occasionally pink-footed, white-fronted, barnacle geese, pintail and scaup may be seen.

Red-throated diver, gadwall, whooper swan and smew are uncommon visitors to the site. There have been rare sightings of notable species such as black-necked grebe, Bewick's swans, bean goose and common scoter. The reservoir is also an important site for wigeon with the highest counts recorded in the winter.

The surrounding farmland is used as breeding grounds by a host of waders. These are a group of birds that are so called because of the way they wade around in the shallows and grassland, probing the soft mud for insects and worms. Species such as lapwing, redshank, curlew, oystercatcher and snipe can regularly be seen.

The large areas of mud which are exposed by late summer also attract migrating waders. Spring and autumn are the best times to see these birds, which form large flocks that appear as huge clouds. Look out for the bright red beak of the oystercatcher and the green metallic sheen of lapwings as their plumage catches the light. Another name commonly used for lapwing is pee-wit and the reason for this will become obvious when their call is heard...peeee...witt!

Redshanks are small black and white birds with bright red legs that can be clearly be seen when caught by the light. They are sometimes referred to as the wardens of the marsh because of their rather nervous nature and habit of being flushed up into the air and sounding off a loud, piercing panic call at the slightest of disturbances.

Location

Derwent Reservoir is situated 2 km (just over a mile) north of Edmundbyers on the B6306 Blanchland road and approximately 33 km (20.5 miles) by road from Durham City Centre. It is north east of the B6278 Consett to Stanhope road.

Grid reference: NZ 010517

Facilities

Free parking is available at the eastern end of the reservoir, as are toilets, although these are not suitable for wheelchair users. From April to November, access is permitted to the shores of the reservoir where there is a path and a number of benches overlooking the water. In the winter months this path is closed to prevent disturbance to roosting birds. An excellent view of the reservoir can be obtained from the lay-by on the Blacklaw road or from Pow Hill Country Park.

The reservoir is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. There is also a sailing club on the northern side of the reservoir.

Enquiries

Northumbrian Water
Abbey Road
Pity Me
Durham
DH1 5FJ

Tel: 0870 2403549