Geograph - photograph every grid square

When the canal from Wendover to Tring (see SP8608 : The Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal) was being built in 1797 water was taken from the streams flowing towards Aylesbury and to compensate the water millers this reservoir was built to ensure a year round flow of water to the mills. In 1814 the demand for water on the canal was such that a pumping engine was installed and this was used for about 25 years. By this time the canal company had brought up the milling rights and since then the reservoir has no longer been used to supply water to the canal or water mills. For this reason the water level is now permanently kept at a low level compared with the height of the earth dam.

The following organisations are concerned with the reservoir:

British Waterways have overall responsibility for the reservoir.
Aylesbury Sailing Club Link have a boathouse on the north east bank and the body of the lake is used for sailing.
Berks, Beds & Oxon Wildlife Trust Link manage the surrounding area, which includes woodland round the edges and extensive reed beds, and there are two bird hides. The reservoir is a site of special scientific interest Link (Archive Link ) .
Prestwood & District Angling Club manage the fishing.

The main area of the reservoir, including the sailing club house, a significant bird hide, and large reed beds, are pictured in the grid square to the east SP8609.