Derwent Reservoir (Derbyshire)

The Derwent Reservoir is a large body of water in Derbyshire, England, forming the central feature of the Upper Derwent Valley. It is one of three reservoirs in the valley, the others being Howden Reservoir and Ladybower Reservoir, all managed by Severn Trent Water.

Constructed between 1902 and 1916, the Derwent Reservoir was primarily built to supply drinking water to the East Midlands, particularly the cities of Sheffield, Nottingham, and Leicester. The reservoir is impounded by the Derwent Dam, a substantial concrete gravity dam.

During World War II, the Derwent Reservoir was used to train the pilots of the Royal Air Force's 617 Squadron, known as the "Dambusters," for Operation Chastise. The dam’s appearance closely resembled the Möhne Dam and Eder Dam in Germany, which were their targets. A memorial plaque commemorates this significant historical connection.

The reservoir is a popular destination for recreational activities, including sailing, fishing, cycling, and walking. There are numerous walking trails around the reservoir and in the surrounding Peak District National Park. It is also a site of significant ecological importance, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife. The village of Derwent, which was flooded to create the reservoir, reappears during periods of prolonged drought when water levels are extremely low.