Belvide Reservoir

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Staffordshire South Staffordshire

England

Belvide Reservoir

Shropshire Union Canal - Stretton Aqueduct The Stretton Aqueduct carries the Shropshire Union Canal over the A5 Watling Street. It was constructed by Thomas Telford in 1832 at which time this stretch of the canal was known as the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal. It is 30&#039; (9.1 m) over the A5 road, though originally not quite as tall as in 1961–62, the road under it was lowered by c.4&#039; (1.2 m) to allow taller vehicles to pass beneath.
It is EH Grade II listed <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1039259" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1039259">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7163556">SJ8710 : Shropshire Union Canal - A5 from Stretton Aqueduct</a> and for the view from the A5, see for example <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1785449">SJ8710 : Stretton Aqueduct for the Liverpool and Birmingham Canal</a> — Shropshire Union Canal - Stretton Aqueduct Credit: Rob Farrow

Belvide Reservoir is a large freshwater body located in Staffordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 hectares, it serves multiple purposes, including water supply, flood control, and recreational activities. The reservoir was created in the late 19th century by the South Staffordshire Water Company to meet the increasing demand for clean water in the region.

Surrounded by picturesque countryside, Belvide Reservoir offers a serene and tranquil environment for visitors. The reservoir is predominantly used for fishing, attracting anglers from near and far. It is known for its diverse fish population, including species such as pike, perch, roach, and bream. Fishing platforms and designated fishing areas are available to ensure a pleasant experience for anglers.

In addition to fishing, Belvide Reservoir is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The reservoir and its surrounding wetland areas provide a perfect habitat for a wide range of bird species, including waterfowl, waders, and migratory birds. Bird hides are strategically placed around the reservoir, allowing visitors to observe and photograph birds in their natural habitat.

The reservoir also plays a crucial role in flood control, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. It acts as a storage basin, retaining excess water and releasing it slowly to prevent downstream flooding. This function contributes to the overall water management system in Staffordshire.

Overall, Belvide Reservoir offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for fishing, birdwatching, and nature appreciation. Its scenic beauty and ecological significance make it a valuable asset to the Staffordshire region.

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Belvide Reservoir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.689886/-2.2045815 or Grid Reference SJ8610. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shropshire Union Canal - Stretton Aqueduct

The Stretton Aqueduct carries the Shropshire Union Canal over the A5 Watling Street. It was constructed by Thomas Telford in 1832 at which time this stretch of the canal was known as the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal. It is 30' (9.1 m) over the A5 road, though originally not quite as tall as in 1961–62, the road under it was lowered by c.4' (1.2 m) to allow taller vehicles to pass beneath. It is EH Grade II listed Link

See also SJ8710 : Shropshire Union Canal - A5 from Stretton Aqueduct and for the view from the A5, see for example SJ8710 : Stretton Aqueduct for the Liverpool and Birmingham Canal

Rob Farrow

Shropshire Union Canal - A5 from Stretton Aqueduct

Looking due east along the A5 (Roman Watling Street) from Telford's 1832 aqueduct. See also SJ8710 : Shropshire Union Canal - Stretton Aqueduct For the opposite view (from the A5, looking up at the aqueduct) see for example SJ8710 : Stretton Aqueduct for the Liverpool and Birmingham Canal

Rob Farrow

Aqueduct from the canal

Grade II listed. Listing number 1039259. Aqueduct dated 1832. Thomas Telford Engineer. Cast iron box girder span, blue brick abutments with stone dressings. Single segmental arch below girders, taken to concave abutments with roll moulded stone string at springing level and bounded by engaged stone columns, taken up above corbelled stone towpath coping and ornamental cast iron parapet railings to slightly domed cappings. Cast inscription in centre panel of beam reads 'Birmingham and Liverpool Canal Thos'.

Andrew Abbott

Boats moored at Stretton Wharf

On the Shropshire Union Canal.

Andrew Abbott

Towards Lapley Wood bridge

On the Shropshire Union Canal.

Andrew Abbott

Bridleway east of Bishopswood in Staffordshire

Here the bridleway from Ivetsey Bank Road leads north-east towards Top Barn Farm (formerly Black Ladies Cottages). At least one map, and local addresses, name the bridleway behind the camera as Sandy Lane. The weather was dull and cold all morning, but brightened up (briefly) soon after this.

Roger D Kidd

Stretton Aqueduct, Shropshire Union Canal

The text on the iron trough aqueduct proclaims this to be the Birmingham and Liverpool [Junction] Canal, which ran from Nantwich to Autherley Junction outside Wolverhampton and later became part of the Shropshire Union system. The name of the engineer Thomas Telford is below. Telford also engineered the turnpike road that passes beneath it, the A5 London to Holyhead road.

Christopher Hilton

Stretton Aqueduct, Shropshire Union Canal (detail)

Christopher Hilton

Watling Street north of Brewood in Staffordshire

This is the A5 Watling Street, looking west towards Telford and Shrewsbury from the Shropshire Union Canal aqueduct. Before the M54 motorway was built this was a busy and sometimes congested trunk road.

Roger D Kidd

Farmland by Watling Street in Staffordshire

This is the A5 Watling Street, looking west towards Telford and Shrewsbury from the Shropshire Union Canal aqueduct near Stretton. Before the M54 motorway was built this was a busy and sometimes congested trunk road. Aquaduct Cottage is on the left. (Yes, aquaduct).

Roger D Kidd

Watling Street [A5], from Stretton Aqueduct

The aqueduct railings could do with a repaint. The former Roman road is also a civil parish boundary here - Brewood & Coven to the left/south, Lapley, Stretton & Wheaton Aston to the right/north.

Christine Johnstone

Boatyard at Stretton Wharf

On the Shropshire Union canal, just north of Stretton Aqueduct over the A5.

Christine Johnstone

Lapley Wood bridge [no 17], reflected

Looking north. The bridge now carries the Staffordshire Way over the Shropshire Union canal.

Christine Johnstone

Stretton Aqueduct

Telford's Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Canal crosses his Holyhead Road here, but encroaching vegetation mars the view of this fine structure.

Jonathan Wilkins

Holyhead Road

Looking down on road traffic from Stretton Aqueduct. Overgrown vegetation and poor decorative order appear to be a bit of a theme on this major canal route, which is a shame and a disgrace.

Jonathan Wilkins

Stretton Wharf

Stretton Wharf with a number of more interesting boats.

Jonathan Wilkins

Green route

Dense greenery hems-in the canal as it makes its way into a shallow cutting.

Jonathan Wilkins

Gateway to Belvide Reservoir

***Access to the site is restricted to members and permit holders of the West Midland Bird Club*** Belvide is a 180-acre canal feeder reservoir constructed in 1834 to supply the nearby Shropshire Union Canal. Birdwatching interest in the site did not awaken until the 1920s, but it is now regarded as one of the top sites in the Midlands. Owned by the Canal & Rivers Trust (formerly British Waterways), the site is leased to and managed by the West Midland Bird Club. It is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the stewardship of Natural England. Integral to the reserve is a 3 ha tract of broad-leaved woodland which is owned by the Club. Websites: West Midland Bird Club Link

Belvide News Link

Daily bird sightings Link

Jonathan Hutchins

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Belvide Reservoir is located at Grid Ref: SJ8610 (Lat: 52.689886, Lng: -2.2045815)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: South Staffordshire

Police Authority: Staffordshire