Swithland Reservoir
Details
Wildlife Highlights
The reservoir is particularly good for birds. Follow the link below to the LROS web site for more details. The shallow inlet end of the reservoir is a popular bird feeding area so close views of ducks and other wildfowl are guaranteed. The deeper water, particularly towards the dam attracts diving ducks and the occasional rarity. Ravens and Peregrines can often be seen in the locality.
Description
The reservoir, built around 1896, lies just south of Quorn, and is about a mile long by half a mile wide. The Great Central Railway divides the reservoir into two; the northern section is the larger. There is no access to the reservoir margins, but both sections are easily viewed from public roads.
Latest Records
| Common Name | Latin Name | Date Recorded | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goldeneye | Bucephala clangula | 12/03/2012 | Rod Baker |
| Rusty-back Fern | Ceterach officinarum | 01/01/2010 | Lorraine Ellison |
| Polypody | Polypodium vulgare | 01/01/2010 | Lorraine Ellison |
| Silver Birch | Betula pendula | 17/01/2009 | Peter Smith |
| Common Sandpiper | Actitis hypoleucos | 20/04/2006 | David Nicholls |
| Coot | Fulica atra | 22/01/2006 | David Nicholls |
| Black Bulgar | Bulgaria inquinans | 04/11/2005 | David Nicholls |
| Black-headed Gull | Larus ridibundus | 04/11/2005 | David Nicholls |
| Lichen Case-bearer | Dahlica lichenella | 22/04/2005 | Mark Skevington |
| Mallard | Anas platyrhynchos | 15/04/2005 | David Nicholls |
| Greylag Goose | Anser anser | 15/04/2005 | David Nicholls |
| Robin | Erithacus rubecula | 15/04/2005 | David Nicholls |
| Great Crested Grebe | Podiceps cristatus | 15/04/2005 | David Nicholls |
| Eriocrania cicatricella | 25/03/2005 | Mark Skevington | |
| Eriocrania unimaculella | 25/03/2005 | Mark Skevington | |
Getting There
The southern (inflow) end can be watched from the minor road running between Swithland and Rothley: park on the bridge at SK 562 132. To reach the north side from here, head towards Rothley for half a mile, then turn left at the crossroads. Follow this road for a further three quarters of a mile, then turn left onto Kinchley Lane. This follows the eastern shore of the reservoir and eventually comes out on the dam. Drive carefully along the lane, as it is winding and narrow, and frequented by walkers and horse riders.
Further Information
Latest Images
Species List
| Group | Common Name | Latin Name | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birds | Common Sandpiper | Actitis hypoleucos | 20/04/2006 |
| Birds | Mallard | Anas platyrhynchos | 15/04/2005 |
| Birds | Greylag Goose | Anser anser | 15/04/2005 |
| Birds | Goldeneye | Bucephala clangula | 12/03/2012 |
| Birds | Robin | Erithacus rubecula | 15/04/2005 |
| Birds | Coot | Fulica atra | 22/01/2006 |
| Birds | Moorhen | Gallinula chloropus | 04/12/2004 |
| Birds | Black-headed Gull | Larus ridibundus | 04/11/2005 |
| Birds | Great Crested Grebe | Podiceps cristatus | 15/04/2005 |
| Birds | Nuthatch | Sitta europaea | 04/12/2004 |
| Ferns & Horse-tails | Rusty-back Fern | Ceterach officinarum | 01/01/2010 |
| Ferns & Horse-tails | Polypody | Polypodium vulgare | 01/01/2010 |
| Fungi | Black Bulgar | Bulgaria inquinans | 04/11/2005 |
| Moths | Lichen Case-bearer | Dahlica lichenella | 22/04/2005 |
| Moths | Eriocrania cicatricella | 25/03/2005 | |
| Moths | Eriocrania unimaculella | 25/03/2005 | |
| Trees, Shrubs & Climbers | Silver Birch | Betula pendula | 17/01/2009 |