Cow Green Reservoir, lake in the United Kingdom
Cow Green Reservoir is a water body in the North Pennines region on the border between Cumbria and County Durham. The water extends for several kilometers through open moorland and is controlled by a dam approximately a quarter mile long.
The reservoir was constructed between 1967 and 1971 to supply water for industries in Teesside and surrounding communities. The construction was controversial, as conservationists worried about rare plants like the Teesdale violet, of which about one-tenth of its habitat was lost.
The name refers to a green meadow that once existed in this location. Today, the area draws walkers and nature enthusiasts who come to find quiet and connection in this open moorland setting.
The location sits at high elevation, so weather can change quickly and it remains cool even when the sun shines. There is a wheelchair-friendly walking route available, and information boards at the car park provide details about the area and wildlife.
In 1984, during a dry period, the water level dropped low enough to reveal a Bronze Age farmstead on the reservoir floor. Archaeologists studied the ancient remains before they were covered again by water.
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