Cropston Reservoir, reservoir in the United Kingdom
Cropston Reservoir is a freshwater lake near Leicester in Leicestershire covering roughly 80 hectares with a shoreline over 4 kilometers long. The dam holding back the water is made of stone and clay, extending about 690 meters (760 yards) in length and rising roughly 16 meters (51 feet) high.
The reservoir opened in 1874 to supply water for Leicester's growing population. It was enlarged in 1902, and engineers built pumping stations with steam engines to push water through pipes to the city.
The name Cropston comes from the nearby village of Cropston. The water draws visitors seeking quiet moments and bird watching, with over 160 bird species recorded in the area.
The area around the reservoir is easy to explore on foot with paths along the shores for a relaxed walk. A visitor center on site provides information about the local environment and wildlife in the area.
Engineer Thomas Hawksley planned the project from 1865 onward, and during construction workers even set up a beer tent called 'The Shant' that brought life to the site. Constables were sent to keep order among the construction workers, as their activities sometimes caused disturbances.
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