Definition
Ogston Reservoir is a man‑made water storage facility situated in Derbyshire, England.
Overview
The reservoir provides a source of water for local supply and is also used for recreational activities such as angling and birdwatching. It is managed by regional water authorities, although the specific operating body is not uniformly cited in publicly available sources. The site is recognised for its natural value, supporting a variety of wet‑land bird species and other wildlife, and parts of the reservoir and its surrounding margins have been designated for conservation purposes.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Ogston” is derived from the locality in which the reservoir was constructed. The toponym is typical of English place‑names, likely originating from an Old English personal name Óga combined with dūn (meaning “hill” or “down”), thus indicating “the hill belonging to Óga”. The reservoir adopted this local name upon its creation.
Characteristics
- Type: Impounded reservoir (created by the construction of an earthen or masonry dam).
- Location: Derbyshire, within the East Midlands region of England; exact coordinates and proximity to nearby settlements (e.g., the village of [specific village]) are not consistently documented in open sources.
- Purpose: Primarily water supply for surrounding communities; secondary uses include recreational angling and wildlife observation.
- Ecological value: The reservoir’s shallow margins and surrounding reedbeds provide habitat for wintering waterfowl and breeding waders. It has been referenced in local wildlife surveys, though detailed species inventories are not broadly published.
Related Topics
- Water supply infrastructure in the United Kingdom
- Reservoirs of the Peak District and Derbyshire (e.g., Ladybower, Derwent, Carsington)
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in England
- Angling and freshwater fisheries management
- Conservation of wet‑land habitats in the East Midlands
Note: Precise details such as the year of construction, exact surface area, storage capacity, and the managing water utility are not uniformly verified in publicly accessible encyclopedic references. Accordingly, the information presented reflects the scope of confirmed data, and where specifics are uncertain, it is indicated accordingly.