Grafham Water

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Huntingdonshire Huntingdonshire

England

Grafham Water

Approaching Marlow, Grafham Water There's been a lot of rain and the paths are very muddy with the sticky clay local to the area.
Approaching Marlow, Grafham Water Credit: Gordon Brown

Grafham Water is a large reservoir located in Huntingdonshire, England. It is situated near the village of Grafham and covers an area of approximately 1,500 acres. The reservoir was created in 1965 by damming the River Great Ouse, primarily for water supply purposes.

The main feature of Grafham Water is its vast expanse of freshwater, making it an ideal location for various water-based activities. The lake is a popular spot for sailing, windsurfing, and canoeing, with several clubs and facilities available for enthusiasts. Anglers are also drawn to the reservoir, as it is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for trout and pike.

Surrounding the lake is a diverse range of habitats, including pools, ponds, and freshwater marshes. These habitats support a rich variety of plant and animal species, making Grafham Water an important site for wildlife conservation. The reservoir is home to numerous bird species, including grebes, herons, and various species of wintering wildfowl.

In addition to its recreational and ecological significance, Grafham Water also serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area. The reservoir supplies water to nearby towns and villages, ensuring a reliable water supply for both domestic and agricultural use.

Overall, Grafham Water is a picturesque and multi-functional site, providing opportunities for leisure, wildlife conservation, and water supply. Its scenic beauty and diverse range of activities make it a popular destination for visitors from both near and far.

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Grafham Water Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.297871/-0.31683321 or Grid Reference TL1467. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Approaching Marlow, Grafham Water There's been a lot of rain and the paths are very muddy with the sticky clay local to the area.
Approaching Marlow, Grafham Water
There's been a lot of rain and the paths are very muddy with the sticky clay local to the area.
Informal car parking by Grafham Water
Informal car parking by Grafham Water
Picnic bench by Grafham Water
Picnic bench by Grafham Water
Grafham, All Saints
Grafham, All Saints
Grafham Water A view across Grafham Water from a position to the right of the cafe. Next to the jetty are a series of rowing and powered boats for the use of fishermen.
Grafham Water
A view across Grafham Water from a position to the right of the cafe. Next to the jetty are a series of rowing and powered boats for the use of fishermen.
A woodland path One of the varied paths and or cycle tracks that are to be found around Grafham Water.
A woodland path
One of the varied paths and or cycle tracks that are to be found around Grafham Water.
Grafham Water Looking back across an area of grass towards the visitor centre and car park, which cannot be seen as they are hidden by the sparse trees and bushes.
Grafham Water
Looking back across an area of grass towards the visitor centre and car park, which cannot be seen as they are hidden by the sparse trees and bushes.
A woodland ride This may be a fire break or a woodland ride, but either way it does eventually lead to one of the many bird hides at this end of the reservoir.
A woodland ride
This may be a fire break or a woodland ride, but either way it does eventually lead to one of the many bird hides at this end of the reservoir.
Reeds in front of the hide The reed bed had a number of Dragon flies flitting back and forth but there were very few birds to be seen.
Reeds in front of the hide
The reed bed had a number of Dragon flies flitting back and forth but there were very few birds to be seen.
Charcoal burners' huts We were surprised when we came across these huts which had two or three charcoal burning steel drums and lids. None of them was active as we walked by.
Charcoal burners' huts
We were surprised when we came across these huts which had two or three charcoal burning steel drums and lids. None of them was active as we walked by.
East Perry : Perry Baptist Church
East Perry : Perry Baptist Church
Grafham : Church of All Saints Grade I listed - <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1288615?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1288615?section=official-list-entry">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>.
Grafham : Church of All Saints
Grade I listed - LinkExternal link.
Grafham Water : fishing boats for hire
Grafham Water : fishing boats for hire
Grafham Water
Grafham Water
Model Farm by Grafham Water
Model Farm by Grafham Water
Grafham Water dam With a growing number of birdwatchers twitching the Cape Gull, the first ever British record.
Grafham Water dam
With a growing number of birdwatchers twitching the Cape Gull, the first ever British record.
Receding water levels in Grafham Water During a very dry summer, but no usage restrictions are expected locally.
Receding water levels in Grafham Water
During a very dry summer, but no usage restrictions are expected locally.
Play Equipment at Grafham Water A quick blast in the play park as daylight quickly faded.
Play Equipment at Grafham Water
A quick blast in the play park as daylight quickly faded.
Show me another place!

Grafham Water is located at Grid Ref: TL1467 (Lat: 52.297871, Lng: -0.31683321)

Administrative County: Cambridgeshire

District: Huntingdonshire

Police Authority: Cambridgeshire

What 3 Words

///youngest.earth.drumbeat. Near Buckden, Cambridgeshire

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