URPoint Details
Bittell Reservoirs are located between Barnt Green to the south and the Birmingham district of Longbridge to the north.
They consist of the Upper (Upper Bittell) and Lower (Lower Bittell) reservoir.
They were built to feed the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, finished in the 1790s, however, the reservoir was not completed until 1837.
The 'Upper' reservoir is to ensure that the level of the canal is kept sufficiently high.
You can fish in several places, especially on the lower reservoirs.
The upper reservoir is used for sailing and windsurfing, and is home of the Barnt Green Sailing Club.
The reservoir is also used by 1st Kings Norton Sea Scout Troop who have a large boathouse on the south east shore.
The Upper reservoir is also used for open water swimming in the summer months by the local triathlon club.
One bank of the reservoir is inaccessible because it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
During the early 20th century, the bird life of the reservoirs was regularly recorded by the West Midland Bird Club, long before such site-monitoring became commonplace.
- Type:
- Landmark