Roadford Lake

Roadford Lake

The lake seen from a bridge across the river Wolf (as it enters the lake)
Location West Devon
Coordinates 50°42′0″N 4°13′45″W / 50.70000°N 4.22917°W
Type reservoir
Primary inflows River Wolf
Basin countries United Kingdom
Managing agency South West Water
Built 1989
Surface area 295 ha (730 acres)
Water volume 34,500 Ml (7.6×109 imp gal)

Roadford Lake, also known as Roadford Reservoir is a man-made reservoir fed by the River Wolf. It is located to the north-east of Broadwoodwidger in West Devon, eight miles (13 km) east of Launceston. It is the largest area of fresh water in the southwest of England. Operated by South West Water, it directly supplies water for North Devon. It also supplies Plymouth and South West Devon via releases into the River Tamar for abstraction at Gunnislake.[1] It is a Local Nature Reserve.[2][3]

The creation of the reservoir in 1989 permitted extensive archaeological research to be undertaken in the valley of the River Wolf led by Professor Mick Aston of Bristol University and documented by the Channel Four documentary series Time Signs.[4]

The lake is situated in pleasant and peaceful open countryside. Its tranquillity is enjoyed by many visitors, who come to walk, fish or sail.

SW Water have, against strong local opposition, received planning permission to build a 100-bed holiday village beside the lake.[5]

There is also a 67m wind turbine close to the proposed holiday village.

Facilities

The facilities are managed by South West Lakes Trust, a registered charity.

References

  1. ↑ South West Water - Roadford
  2. ↑ "Roadford Lake". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England.
  3. ↑ "Map of Roadford Lake". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England.
  4. ↑ http://www.channel4.com/programmes/timesigns/4od#3126139
  5. ↑ http://www.roadford.org/village/

External links