Edgbaston Reservoir

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Map sources for Edgbaston Reservoir at grid reference SP042867

Edgbaston Reservoir, originally known as Rotton Park Reservoir, is a canal feeder reservoir in the Ladywood district of Birmingham, England; grid reference SP043868.

It was constructed between 1824-1829 to supply water to the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Levels of the Birmingham Canal Navigations canal system. It was excavated to a depth of 40 feet and covers an area of 80 acres.

The reservoir and gatehouse were designed by Thomas Telford and the latter is a listed building.

In 1873, it was crossed by Charles Blondin, on a tightrope. His feat is marked by a 1992 statue on the nearby Ladywood Middleway ring road.

The reservoir is now used for leisure activities including angling, windsurfing and rowing.

[edit] Leisure at the Res

A view of Edgbaston Reservoir

Edgbaston Reservoir is home to two rowing clubs, Birmingham Rowing Club and the University of Birmingham Boat Club. Both clubs are housed within the same boathouse. The site has also been chosen to house a new Birmingham Schools rowing initiative, with the two afore mentioned clubs assisting in the running of the scheme. A kayak club also use the boathouse grounds to store their kayaks.

The Midlands Sailing Club is also based at Edgbaston Reservoir, and often race around a marked course. Windsurfers also use the Reservoir. Further to this, TS Vernon Sea Cadets use the reservoir as a base.

The Reservoir is a good location for joggers, with a gravel and tarmac path all around its circumference. There are also work-out stations at various points providing frames for exercises such as pull-ups, or step-ups.