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.
