Staunton Harold reservoir is located in the heart of the National Forest between Derby and Burton On Trent.
The reservoir was created in 1964 to provide communities and businesses in Leicester and the East Midlands with drinking water.
Staunton Harold reservoir has a capacity of 1,400 million gallons (6,370 mega litres ) of water and is 25 metres deep at its deepest point. It has a surface area of 209 acres.
Melbourne Treatment works on the shoreline of Staunton Harold reservoir was completed in 1997 and is one of the most modern and efficient in Europe.
More than 800,000 people in Leicester and the East Midlands benefit from the treatment works.
Staunton Harold is a wildlife habitat offering many outdoor and leisure activities, such as adventure playgrounds, fishing, bird watching, sailing and cycling, as well as countryside walks for those who want to explore the region. Public footpaths lead to Calke Abbey and beyond to Foremark Reservoir.
The visitor centre includes an information room and overlooks the adventure playground which is immensely popular with younger visitors. Their families can watch over them from the adjoining picnic tables while enjoying refreshments from the kiosk (seasonal opening times apply). Staunton Harold has disabled access for those with mobility problems. Car parking spaces and accessible toilets are clearly marked.
The disused Tower windmill which dominates the skyline on Staunton Harold Reservoir dates from 1798.
Opening times
8.30am –4pm
Admission is free and a car parking charge applies
Address
Staunton Harold Ranger Office
Staunton Harold Reservoir
Calke Road
Melbourne
Derbyshire
DE73 1DL
Tel: 01332 865 081
For sailing information please visit Staunton Sailing club
See Staunton Harold Hall for information on Staunton Harold hall and church
Please visit Derbyshire Photographs for many photos of Staunton Harold Reservoir.
