News

Beat the Bank Holiday blues with a trip to one of Severn Trent’s hidden Derbyshire gems

Friday 28th April 2017

Set amongst the Derbyshire countryside and nestled between the rolling hills of Amber Valley, sits one of Severn Trent’s more unique reservoirs.

As well as being a reservoir, Ogston is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is also home to the Ogston sailing, angling and bird clubs, all of which are opening their doors to visitors this Bank Holiday weekend.

Dave Drury, ranger from Severn Trent, said: “Ogston is one of our lesser known reservoirs, but is home to so much beauty and wildlife that it really makes for a lovely visit and not one to be missed.

“This weekend, the local clubs that use our site are offering visitors the chance to try sailing, bird watching or fishing. It’s a great opportunity for people to try something new.”

Ogston Reservoir is a hotspot for bird watching, with well over 200 different species of birds having visited over the years with Ospreys regularly making an appearance during migration, making it a primary bird watching site in the UK.

“Ogston’s a little different to our manned reservoirs, in that there’s no visitor site or facilities available. So, if you’d prefer something that offers a little more such as a café and shops, then our Carsington Water site is only a short drive away,” said Dave.

Carsington Water is one of the company’s larger visitor sites and offers an interactive exhibition centre that teaches visitors all about saving water.

“At Carsington, visitors can enjoy miles of various walks and take in the stunning scenery that’s on offer, and, if the weather is on side, then maybe even a picnic or barbeque to recharge, or refreshments from the café. As well as walking, there are water sports, cycling, birdwatching and even horse riding available, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied over the Bank Holiday weekend.” adds Dave.

Carsington Water was opened by the Queen in 1992, and will be celebrating its 25th anniversary by throwing a huge party on May 20th.

For more information on Severn Trent’s visitor sites, please visit: www.stwater.co.uk/my-severn-trent/our-visitor-sites and to find out more about the Ogston open days, visit ogstonsc.co.uk and ogstonbirdclub.co.uk.