Low reservoirs mean trouble

Tuesday, 21 February 2012 15:33

Lack of rain, low reservoirs, leaks, misuse and lack of repair all lead to low water levels. When you see a very low reservoir it rather brings it all "home".

Barnt Green Sailing and Fishing Club across Upper Bittell Reservoir

Upper Bittell Reservoir may be home to a sailing and fishing club, but it is also a feeder for the Worcester and Birmingham Canal and it was a shock to see it like this .....

Both the Upper and Lower Bittell Reservoirs feed the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. I knew that the upper one was down by about 2.4 metres (more details from Barnt green Sailing Club). However that is head knowledge, the evidence of eyes and the camera lens is more compelling!

Path sign

The North Worcestershire Path leads the walker beside the northern bank but trees obscure the view and barbed wire prevents access as parts of the reservoir are an SSSI. Many birds have been recorded by local Bird Watching Societies. Birds that have been spotted include Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Tufted Duck, Sparrowhawk. Summer: Blackcap, Whitethroat, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper,Teal, Gadwall, Pochard, Goldeneye, Goosander, Siskin. What a lot!

Path beside the reservoir

A closer view reveals the extent of the dry banks

So whilst we are happily moored here at Hopwood, waiting for the stoppage at Astwood Locks to finish, we also wonder what the water situation will be in a few months on this canal, let alone others in the "drought ridden" south.  In contrast, the North West had 108% of the long term average rain for January. I think we might be heading in the right direction, eventually!

A nice mooring - in the sunshine!