Abberton Reservoir enhancement
Abberton Reservoir, owned by Essex & Suffolk Water, is situated near Colchester, Essex and is the largest freshwater body in Essex, with 485 hectares covered by water.
The reservoir is one of the most important in Britain for wildfowl. It is a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance for birds), a Special Protection Area (SPA) designated under the EU Birds Directive, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to wildfowl. Therefore it is essential that the environment there is protected before, during and after construction.
The reservoir enlargement will involve:
• Raising the main dam by 3.2 metres.
• Storage volume increased by 58%.
• Building a number of smaller col (earth) dams around the edge of the reservoir.
• Relocating the Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre to a larger site.
• Diverting the B1026 and modifying the causeway.
Essex & Suffolk Water is working closely with Natural England, Essex Wildlife Trust and RSPB to enhance the reservoir as part of the Scheme. The enhancement proposals incorporate areas of shallow water as habitat for feeding waterfowl, as well as other measures – including concrete removal - that are intended not just to maintain but to increase the reservoir's value for waterfowl.
As well as improving the site for wildlife, the proposals will also enhance Abberton Reservoir for visitors and the local community. The existing Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre will be relocated to a larger and improved site. ESW is also proposing to increase the network of permissive footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways near the reservoir. The plans would increase the network of public access routes in the proximity of Abberton Reservoir from around 4km to 14km. The proposed new routes are indicated on the map.