Brixworth
country park
Pitsford reservoir was opened in 1956
and has become a popular recreational haven surrounding
more than 750 acres of water.
Brixworth Country Park, created from a grant from the
Millenium Comission, is enjoyed by many. Bicycles can be
hired for a relaxing ride around the reservoir.
Cyclists and walkers can take the seven mile track around
the waters edge on the south side of the causeway, which
is comparatively flat, making it ideal for families with
younger children. Nature lovers and anglers can enjoy the
nature reserve at the northern end. Pitsford water is
also home to the Northampton sailing club with facilities
for the sailing enthusiast.
The water is a popular spot with anglers, offering
fly-fishing from bank or the hire craft and the lake is
stocked with 35,000 brown and rainbow trout each year.
There are 500 acres of water fishable by boat and over
eight miles available for bank fishing.
The reservoir was designated
a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1991 for
its importance to wintering waterfowl. The nature reserve
is located on the northern side of the causeway but a
permit from the Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust is
required to enter the nature reserve. These can be
purchased from the fishing lodge.
It is one of the best birding sites in the county of
Northamptonshire with more than 220 species recorded.
Some of the species found here are mallard, tufted duck,
wigeon, teal, goldeneye, ruddy, common scoter and smew
– even the rare American wigeon and ring-necked
duck. Canada geese, great crested grebes, kestrels and
sparrowhawks are resident. It is also frequented by
migrating Bewick’s swans and some species of
waders.
