Manchester, Bolton and Bury reservoir

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Elton Reservoir
Elton Reservoir - The reservoir in January 2006
The reservoir in January 2006
Location Greater Manchester
Coordinates 53°34′48″N 2°19′09″W / 53.580022, -2.319231 (Elton Reservoir)
Lake type reservoir
Primary inflows River Irwell
Primary outflows MBB Canal
Basin countries United Kingdom
Surface area 226,000 m²

The Manchester, Bury and Bolton reservoir commonly called Elton reservoir is a reservoir situated off the A58 Bolton Road, Greater Manchester about 3 km (1.8 mi) south west of the town of Bury. Constructed in 1842 at the height of the canal era, it remains today as legacy of the industrial era and a major leisure facility for residents of Bury, Bolton and North Manchester.

Contents

[edit] Description

The reservoir covers 226,000 sq m (56 acres) and contains some 1 million cubic metres (220 million imperial gallons).[1] It is an important area for both resident and migrating water fowl, attracting many species throughout the year.

[edit] History

The reservoir was constructed and opened in 1842 as a feeder for the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal.[2] The water was used to top up the canal as water was lost at the bottom end of the canal. Initially, water was to have been taken from the River Irwell, however local mill owners objected citing a loss of water for their mills so the reservoir was constructed.[3] Today water is still taken from the Irwell at Burrs Country Park and taken by feeder channel to Elton reservoir which in turn feeds the remains of the canal.

[edit] Leisure use

The reservoir has been used for leisure since the Elton Club was founded in 1858. This club was initially for ‘Gentlemen and their sons’ to engage in the pursuit of fishing.[4] The club later became the Elton Sailing Club and since 1870, the club has carried out sailing activities. The reservoir is also used for sailing activities by local community groups, Greater Manchester Police Sailing & Windsurfing Section and the scouts.The reservoir is now an important fishery in the north west of England managed by Bury Angling Association. The coarse fishery conatins many species including, bream, pike, carp, tench and roach.

The National Cycle Route 6 passes alongside the reservoir. There is 6.5km (4 ml) walking path around the reservoir which is described in the Bury council book entitled "Walks Around Bury",[5] Copies can be obtained at local libraries and Bury Tourist Information Centre or downloaded from the Bury MBC web site [6]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal. Retrieved on 2007-10-11.
  2. ^ "Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal" . Waterways (214): 14. 
  3. ^ Elton Sailing Club. Retrieved on 2007-10-10.
  4. ^ Elton Sailing Club History. Retrieved on 2007-10-11.
  5. ^ Bury MBC. Walks Around Bury. 
  6. ^ Walks around Bury - Walk 4 Elton Reservoir. Retrieved on 2007-10-10.

[edit] External links