Our emerging design

Overall approach

The shape and layout of the emerging design have been influenced by the local landscape shape and character. It uses existing natural ridges with gently sloping embankments designed to integrate with the surrounding villages and farmland.

Our ideas include places for recreation both on the water and land, with other areas focused on nature to create calm spaces. A visitor centre and recreation hubs are located in the south, with areas centred on nature and tranquillity to the north. The peninsula creates a link between these two areas.

The emerging design features a lagoon in the south of the reservoir where water would always be kept at around the same level. This could create an area where consistent access to water is easier.

We have considered the potential for connections to the surrounding communities and around the reservoir itself with opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding connecting the different areas of the reservoir.

We’ve included a variety of habitat ideas to encourage wildlife, with different wetland types both inside the reservoir and surrounding it. This includes ideas to enhance the existing watercourses to support nature, create opportunities for recreation, and contribute to better flood management.