URPoint Details
Edgbaston Reservoir, originally known as Rotton Park Reservoir and referred to in some early maps as Rock Pool Reservoir, is a canal feeder reservoir in Birmingham. Despite its name, it is situated in Ladywood rather than nearby Edgbaston. Originally a small pool named Roach Pool in Rotton Park it was extensively enlarged by Thomas Telford between 1824-1829 to supply water to the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Levels of the Birmingham.
The Canal Navigations (BCN) canal system via Icknield Port Loop at the foot of the dam. It was excavated to a depth of 40 feet (12 m) and covers an area of 58 acres (230,000 m2), holding 300,000,000 imperial gallons (1,400,000 m3) of water. It was the largest expanse of water in Birmingham at the time.
The dam is a 330 metre long earth embankment with a height of 10 metres near the centre. The reservoir is surrounded by woodland and grassland, the total area of the site is 70 acres
It supports a variety of birds, including newts and bats. In addition to supplying water to the canals, the reservoir is used for leisure activities including angling, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and rowing. Edgbaston Reservoir is home to two rowing
- Type:
- Landmark