On This Page ....

	History and status
	Habitats
	Species
	When to visit
	How to get there
	Parking and Access
	Routes
	Facilities
	Further Information
	Special Thanks

Watergrove Reservoir SBI

History and status

Watergrove Reservoir is situated high up on the edge of the moors above Rochdale and has spectacular views across Manchester to the Cheshire plain.  Owned by United Utilities, the reservoir was constructed between 1930 and 1938 to provide drinking water for the people of Rochdale and is the largest in the district.  Designated as a grade A Site of Biological Importance (SBI) in 2000, the site extends beyond the SBI boundary up onto a dramatic horse-shoe shaped moorland ridge which encloses the valley.

Habitats

An upland reservoir, surrounded by largely unimproved acid grassland, which is a Greater Manchester Biodiversity Habitat.  There are numerous small areas of marsh and flush across the site associated with ponds and streams, including a small nature reserve.

The landscape was transformed by the planting of over 100,000 native deciduous trees around the reservoir in the late 1980's / early 1990's, providing a new habitat for many species which did not previously occur in the area.

Species

The reservoir and surrounding moorland is important for birds especially its breeding waders which include Common Sandpiper and Curlew whose evocative calls can be heard in spring.  The grassland and wetland areas are home to Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler and Reed Bunting.  In spring the plantations come alive with the song of Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Whitethroat.  Lesser Redpoll can be seen and heard in display flight over the trees.

Large numbers of frogs head to the ponds in March to spawn.  In summer the same waters are the haunt of seven species of damselfly and dragonfly.

Many species of butterfly are seen on the wing in summer including the now scarce Wall Brown, as well as more common species such as Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood and Red Admiral.

Mammals include Fox, Stoat and Weasel, although you will have to make an early start to stand much chance of seeing these elusive creatures.

The reservoir supports a colony of the European Protected species Floating Water Plantain.  The wetland areas are brightened by the flowering of Marsh Marigold, Purple Loosestrife and Yellow Flag Iris.  To the north of the reservoir along Higher Slack Brook hard fern, male fern and lemon-scented fern occur.

Whatever your interest there is a fantastic variety of species to see here from bird to butterflies, fungi to lichens, and mammals to mosses.

When to visit

Spring ....

Common frog

Birds
Great Crested Grebe, Common Sandpiper, Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Skylark, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, passage waders.

Plants
Bluebell, Coltsfoot, Marsh Marigold, Yellow Iris and Purple Loosestrife.

Summer ....

Butterflies
Comma, Meadow Brown, Green Veined White, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Small Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Speckled Wood, and Wall Brown.

Damselflies
Azure, Blue-tailed, Common Blue, Emerald, and Large Red

Dragonflies
Emperor; Broad-bodied and 4 spotted Chaser; Brown and Common Hawker; Black, Common and Ruddy Darter.

Plants
Marsh Orchid, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Tormentil, Harebell and Sneezewort. Hard, Male and lemon-scented Fern.

Autumn ....

Birds
Migrant waders including Green Sandpiper as well as Fieldfare and Redwing.

Fungi
Many species including Blusher, Coconut Milkcap, Earthy Powdercap, False Chanterelle, Fly Agaric, Peppery Bolete, Shaggy Inkcap, and a variety of Waxcaps including Pink Waxcap.

Winter ....

Birds
Goosander, Goldeneye, Teal on the reservoir.  Occasional flocks of Whooper Swans stop off.  Flocks of Lesser Redpoll and Siskin can be seen in the plantations.

How to get there

Public Transport
The nearest train station is Smithy Bridge.  Bus service 456 (Bu-Val Tel. 01706 372787) runs to the top of Wardle Village. You can then walk (1/4 mile) to the reservoir.  Alternatively train to Rochdale then bus service 458 (Bu-Val Tel. 01706 372787) from the bus station in Rochdale town centre.
Website:  www.gmpte.com

By car
Leave the M62 at junction 20 (Rochdale).  Follow signs for A58 (signposted Halifax / Littleborough).  Turn left at mini-roundabout off A58 (signposted Watergrove / Wardle Village) into Wardle Road.  Follow the road for 1.5 miles to the village square and continue straight ahead to reach the car park.

Parking and Access

Parking at Trap Farm car park (SD911176) is free of charge.  Climb the steps from the car park to the top of the dam for excellent views over the reservoir and valley.

Bird Hide - follow the track from Trap Farm car park round the east side of the reservoir.  Access to the hide is along a path which runs west from the windsurfer's car park, on the west side of the centre.

Routes

There are 2 circular waymarked routes:

• The Watergrove Trail is 2 miles and follows the shoreline of the reservoir.  Allow 1 hour 30 minutes.
• The Hades Trail is 4 miles and takes you to the top of the valley (not onto the ridge).  Allow 4 hours.

There are numerous other footpaths around the area, most of which is Access Land.

Facilities

Public toilets at the back of the Windsurfer's centre.

Further Information

For further information on wildlife sightings at Watergrove:
Visit  www.manchesterbirding.com and  www.manchesterwildlife.com

Special Thanks

With special thanks to Dave Winnard for information on dragonflies / damselflies and fungi recorded on the site.

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