Hanningfield Reservoir
Encyclopedia
Hanningfield Reservoir
is an artificial body of water in Essex, south of Chelmsford
, and is owned by Essex and Suffolk Water. The reservoir was formed by flooding an area of South Hanningfield
covering the ancient hamlet of Peasdown although contrary to popular belief, no buildings survive under the water, however, an earth removal machine was left 'in situ' and concreted over prior to filling. Giffords Farm and Fremnells Manor were also flooded. The reservoir was built in an area formerly known as Sandon Valley and large parts of the reservoir and surrounding countryside have been developed as a nature reserve. This part of the estate is leased by Essex Wildlife Trust and is home to vast numbers of wildlife. There are many footpaths in the woodland around the water where wildlife can be seen and hides have been erected to afford excellent views of the visiting and resident bird population. Members of the public are able to use the reservoir for seasonal fly fishing from both bank and from boats providing a fishing permit is bought in advance. The water is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, the heaviest fish ever caught to date weighing in at 24lb 1oz in 1998.
There are two cafes at each end of the reservoir, the newest situated next to the fishing lodge being opened in 2007 with a deck overlooking the water, and the other located at the Essex Wildlife Trust visitors' centre. According to researchers, when full the reservoir can provide 1 bucket of water (each) for everyone in the world - This was devised from the fact that when completely full the reservoir will store the water for 200 continuous days (approx. 7 months.) although the reservoir currently supplies water to around 540,000 homes in the Southend, Thurrock, Dagenham, Barking and Redbridge areas.
Hanningfield reservoir was 50 years old in September 2007 and cost approximately £6m to build in 1957.
Reservoir
A reservoir , artificial lake or dam is used to store water.Reservoirs may be created in river valleys by the construction of a dam or may be built by excavation in the ground or by conventional construction techniques such as brickwork or cast concrete.The term reservoir may also be used to...
is an artificial body of water in Essex, south of Chelmsford
Chelmsford
Chelmsford is the county town of Essex, England and the principal settlement of the borough of Chelmsford. It is located in the London commuter belt, approximately northeast of Charing Cross, London, and approximately the same distance from the once provincial Roman capital at Colchester...
, and is owned by Essex and Suffolk Water. The reservoir was formed by flooding an area of South Hanningfield
South Hanningfield
South Hanningfield is a small village and civil parish in south Essex, England. It is located approximately south-southeast of the county town of Chelmsford, and approximately 5 km South Hanningfield is a small village and civil parish in south Essex, England. It is located approximately ...
covering the ancient hamlet of Peasdown although contrary to popular belief, no buildings survive under the water, however, an earth removal machine was left 'in situ' and concreted over prior to filling. Giffords Farm and Fremnells Manor were also flooded. The reservoir was built in an area formerly known as Sandon Valley and large parts of the reservoir and surrounding countryside have been developed as a nature reserve. This part of the estate is leased by Essex Wildlife Trust and is home to vast numbers of wildlife. There are many footpaths in the woodland around the water where wildlife can be seen and hides have been erected to afford excellent views of the visiting and resident bird population. Members of the public are able to use the reservoir for seasonal fly fishing from both bank and from boats providing a fishing permit is bought in advance. The water is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, the heaviest fish ever caught to date weighing in at 24lb 1oz in 1998.
Hanningfield reservoir was 50 years old in September 2007 and cost approximately £6m to build in 1957.