Branston Water Park
| Branston Water Park | |
|---|---|
Looking across the lake | |
Location in Staffordshire | |
| Location | Burton upon Trent |
| OS grid | SK 215 208 |
| Coordinates | 52°47′4″N 1°41′2″W / 52.78444°N 1.68389°W |
| Area | 23.55 hectares (58.2 acres) |
| Designation | Local nature reserve |
| Website | Branston Water Park |
Branston Water Park is a local nature reserve near Burton upon Trent, in Staffordshire, England, adjacent to the village of Branston.
History
The lake is a former gravel pit, one of several along the Trent Valley. There was gravel extraction here from the 1930s to the 1950s, after which wildlife habitats developed naturally. In the mid-1980s the land was leased by East Staffordshire Borough Council; public access was introduced, and the site was developed as a country park, with pathways, signage and a visitor centre.[1]
The reserve was designated a local nature reserve (LNR) in 2010. As of 2020, it has held the Green Flag Award since 2005.[1][2]
Description
The Trent and Mersey Canal passes alongside the site to the north-west; to the south- east is the A38 road.
Its area is 23.55 hectares (58.2 acres).[3] It is a notable wetland site, and around the lake is woodland, predominantly of willow and birch, and wildflower meadow. There is a large reed bed, which is a Grade 1 Staffordshire Site of Biological Importance.[1]
There is a flat circular path around the lake, and there are picnic areas and a children's play area. The Burton Mutual Angling Association and the Burton Model Boating Club use the park by agreement with East Staffordshire Borough Council.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "Branston Water Park: Management Plan 2018–2021" East Staffordshire Borough Council. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
- ^ "Branston Water Park" East Staffordshire Borough Council. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
- ^ "Branston Water Park LNR" Natural England. Retrieved 10 July 2020.