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Chasewater is a reservoir located in the parish of Burntwood[2] and the district of Lichfield in Staffordshire, England. Originally known as Norton Pool and Cannock Chase Reservoir, it was created as a canal feeder reservoir in 1797.[3] The reservoir was created to directly supply the Wyrley and Essington Canal and maintain levels in the 160-mile (260 km) Birmingham Canal Network. During a period of great industrial growth in the Black Country region the maintenance of water levels in canal infrastructure was essential and Chasewater was in great demand. As canals became less essential for transport of goods during the mid-20th century, the reservoir diversified and became a popular public amenity with activities such as water-skiing, sailing, wakeboarding and cycling. Chasewater is the third largest reservoir by volume in the county of Staffordshire and the largest canal feeder reservoir in the West Midlands.

Key Information

History

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An act of Parliament, the Wyrley and Essington Canal Act 1794 (34 Geo. 3. c. 25), received royal assent on 28 March 1794, entitled "An Act for extending the Wyrley and Essington Canal", this authorised a long extension, from Sneyd past Lichfield to Huddlesford Junction on the Coventry Canal, together with the raising of up to £115,000 to complete construction.[4] As part of the act the Wyrley and Essington Canal Company were required to provide a water source to keep the new length of canal topped up.[4]

A site in the Crane Brook Valley was selected to be dammed to create a reservoir which would provide water to the new stretch of canal. Excavations started in the valley floor in 1796 and were used to build earthwork dams along the eastern and western edges of the reservoir. A feeder channel to supply water to the canal was cut through from the eastern dam to the top of the locks at Ogley Hay 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the south east.

The reservoir opened on 8 May 1797, however in June 1799 the eastern dam burst releasing a flood wave downstream along the Crane Brook Valley towards Shenstone, about 4.5 miles to the south east. The cause of the burst was not clear however it was likely that no overflow system was provided and a summer storm caused the dam to overtop and erode the earth embankment.[5] The flood wave caused significant damage with roads and bridges destroyed, fields flooded and livestock killed.[5] The canal company paid out compensation to all who had suffered losses and set about rebuilding the dam. The dam was rebuilt thicker and wider than previously with its inner faces lined with limestone.[5] In the March 1800 the dam had been rebuilt by Thomas Dadford[6] and the reservoir refilled. A watch house was built by the canal company with a full-time watchman to safeguard against any similar incidents in the future.

The Valve House on the crest of the dam, built in 1905

In 1840 ownership of the reservoir passed to Birmingham Canal Navigations after the company acquired the Wyrley and Essington Canal Company.[5] During the mid-19th century the coal deposits beneath the reservoir and the surrounding area began to be mined on a large scale due to the Industrial Revolution. The landowner of the area, the Marquess of Anglesey planned to open pits near to the reservoir. The Anglesey Branch of the Wyrley and Essington Canal was constructed between 1848 and 1850 and made the existing feeder channel navigable. In 1849 the marquess opened the Hammerwich Colliery, located adjacent to the Anglesey Branch at the toe of the dam. After barely eight years of operation the colliery last drew coal in January 1857, as it became impossible to work due to the influx of sand and gravel caused by working too close to unconsolidated surface deposits. Many other collieries were opened at this time around the reservoir and continued to be mined into the 20th century.

Norton Pool in the early 20th century

After the opening of the South Staffordshire Railway Line in 1849 rail infrastructure serving the collieries around the reservoir began to expand. John Robinson McClean engineered the rail line linking the South Staffordshire Line to the Hammerwich and Uxbridge Collieries as well as the Norton Branch. McClean leased pits from the Marquess of Anglesey and formed the Cannock Chase Colliery Company in 1859. In 1871 the rail line linking the Norton Branch and the Uxbridge Colliery was built. This line, now used by Chasewater Railway, involved the building of a causeway across the Crane Brook valley at the western end of the reservoir. Subsidence in the 1890s led to the extension of the western embankment north to the railway causeway and Norton East Road. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the eastern dam was raised, with this a new hexagonal valve house and weir was built and the capacity of the reservoir was increased.[7] The increased capacity of the reservoir created Jeffries Swag at the western end of the reservoir.

Under the terms of an act of Parliament[which?] authoring abandonment obtained in 1954, most of the branches of the original Wyrley and Essington Canal were closed, including the branch from Ogley to Huddlesford, which was abandoned in 1955. The closing of this section of canal reduced the demand for water from Chasewater. On 21 Oct 1957 the reservoir was purchased by Brownhills Urban District Council from the British Transport Commission for £5,600 and the reservoir was renamed Chasewater.

During the mid-20th century the majority of mines were closed around Chasewater and the area was becoming increasingly used for leisure purposes. In the early 1950s sailing dinghies were the first to arrive, subsequently speedboats joined them a little further up the shore. By the early 1960s the sailing club moved to its present position and a funfair etc. was set up on the south shore, in 1961 the pier and the castle were built along the south shore. The 1960s saw the final rail traffic passing over the causeway and the final coal barge leaving Anglesey Basin. In 1984 a Chasewater Master Plan and Development Strategy was published, which recognised the nature conservation value of Chasewater and the surrounding land. In 1994 Lichfield District Council became responsible for management of Chasewater and the site became a country park in 1998. Continued investment in the nature and leisure value at Chasewater led to the building of the £1.9 million Forest of Mercia Innovation Centre in 2000 and the restoration of the Chasewater Railway as a heritage line. Following an inspection in 2006 it was discovered that remedial works were needed to the eastern dam. As a result of this the reservoir was drawn down 8 metres (26 ft) in spring 2010 for works to be complete by spring 2012. In May 2011 Staffordshire County Council took over ownership of the reservoir to ensure completion of the remedial works.

Dam and reservoir

[edit]
The eastern embankment dam in 2012

Chasewater reservoir is retained by two earth embankment dams. The main eastern dam runs north-south along the eastern side of the reservoir and is 560 metres (1,840 ft) long with a maximum height of 14 metres (46 ft), a crest width of 15 metres (49 ft) and maximum width at its base of 70 metres (230 ft).[8] The secondary western dam is a continuous embankment along the western side of the reservoir and is 1,300 metres (4,300 ft) long with a maximum height of 4 metres (13 ft).

The eastern dam was constructed between 1796 and 1797 across the Crane Brook valley damming Crane Brook; a tributary of the River Tame. The dam was constructed with the boulder clay and alluvium excavated from the reservoir bed. Later additions to the dam are formed with colliery waste from mining activity in the area. The overflow level of the dam was raised in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to increase the capacity of the reservoir. The dam was raised by approximately 1.5 metres (4.9 ft), a new bridge was built across the outflow basin above the old one, a new valve house was constructed on the raised crest and a 3 feet (0.91 m) wave wall was built along the crest.

The western dam stretches from approximately 300 metres (980 ft) north of Brownhills West station to Norton East Road. The embankment dams the headwaters of streams which formerly flowed westwards to discharge into the River Penk. The dam was constructed between 1796 and 1797 with excavated materials from the reservoir bed, however it was extended northwards in the 1890s to counteract the settlement of the land due to mining subsidence. The extended section of the dam was formed with tipped material containing burnt clay and a core of clay puddle. South of the railway causeway the dam was widened when the area was landscaped using colliery waste as fill, it now does not resemble a dam although it still acts as one. The extension of the western dam allowed the overflow to be raised on the eastern dam in the late 19th century. This increased the capacity of the reservoir and created Jeffries Swag on the north side of the railway causeway.

The reservoir has a capacity of 4,400,000m3 (4.4 billion litres) and a surface area of 1.08 km2 (270 acres) with a maximum water depth of 11.3 metres (37 ft) near its eastern end. Chasewater is the third largest reservoir in Staffordshire by capacity and second by surface area.

Flora and fauna

[edit]

The Chasewater habitat supports several rare plant and animal species including:[9] floating water-plantain (Luronium natans), round-leaved wintergreen (Pyrola rotundifolia), the carnivorous round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), adder's tongue (Ophioglossum), black spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum), goldeneye duck (Bucephala) and tufted duck (Aythya fuligula)

Today

[edit]
The main body of the reservoir in February 2012

The surrounding area is designated as a country park. The reservoir hosts a variety of activities including water skiing, sailing, angling and bird watching. Running around Chasewater is the Chasewater Railway.

The large house situated halfway along the dam wall was originally the weir master's cottage. The weir master would walk up to the hexagonal valve house, constructed to the same design as BCN tollhouses, and operate the gate valves to release water from Chasewater reservoir into the canal. The construction of the M6 Toll between the reservoir and the A5 required the construction of a new bridge over the motorway to access the southern side of the lake, where an Innovation Centre provides enhanced access to the waterfront. Selling land for motorway construction also allowed the Chasewater Railway to construct new premises and a large engine shed on the lake side.

In June 2019, a parkrun (a free, weekly timed 5 km run/walk) event started at Chasewater, taking place every Saturday morning at 9am.

Dam repair

[edit]
The new overflow arrangement built as part of repair works in 2012

Following an inspection in 2006 and further investigations in the years that followed, it was decided that maintenance works were needed to the eastern dam.[8] The threats to the dam included internal erosion and overtopping of the dam during a storm event.[8] Lichfield District Council appointed Galliford Try as principal contractor for works to start in December 2010.[10] In May 2011 ownership of the reservoir passed to Staffordshire County Council to ensure successful completion of the works. The county council maintained the principal contractor and appointed civil engineers, URS to complete the works.[11]

The water level in the reservoir was lowered by 8 metres (26 ft) from February to April in 2010, in order for the works to be carried out on the eastern dam. To reduce the risk of internal erosion filters were installed at the downstream toe of the embankment to control and monitor seepage through the dam.[8] To meet regulations the reservoir has to be able to withstand a 1 in 10,000-year storm event. To increase the overflow capacity culverts were installed through the causeway carrying Chasewater Railway, this was to increase water flows from Jeffries Swag into the main body of the reservoir. A new bridge, weir and spillway were built at the southeastern end of the reservoir.[12] The drawdown culvert which runs from the reservoir bed to the canal was inspected and restored for the first time in 200 years.[12] The £5.5 million repairs were completed in April 2012.[13]

When the water was lowered, two suspected bombs were discovered on the reservoir bed, these were later determined to be mortar rounds dating from the Second World War.[14]

Panorama of Chasewater 8m below overflow level, drained for maintenance in July 2010
Panorama of Chasewater 4m below overflow level, during refill in July 2012
Panorama of Chasewater at top water level in May 2013

See also

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Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Chasewater

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Chasewater is a man-made located in , , near the town of within , constructed in 1797 by damming the Crane Brook and another local stream to serve as a feeder for the during the . With a surface area of approximately 108 hectares and a capacity of about 4.4 million cubic metres, it ranks as the third largest in by volume and the largest canal feeder in the West Midlands. Originally known as Norton Pool or Cannock Chase Reservoir, Chasewater was engineered to supply to the expanding canal network, including the Birmingham Canal Navigations, supporting transport from local collieries. Its earthen and , built from stone and rubble, holds back over a billion gallons of , preventing flooding in nearby areas like Shenstone and Tamworth. Over time, the reservoir has transitioned from an industrial source to a prominent recreational site, designated as Chasewater Country Park in 1977 by County Council. The surrounding 360-hectare encompasses lowland heathland, woodlands, and wetlands, providing habitats for diverse including deer, newts, and numerous bird species, making it a favored spot for and . Key attractions include the Chasewater , a heritage steam line operational since the that runs nearly two miles between West and Chasetown stations, offering scenic rides along the shoreline. Water-based activities such as , , and are popular, with facilities like sailing clubs and platforms managed by local organizations. The also features extensive trails for walking, , and running, children's play areas, and picnic spots, drawing families and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Recent maintenance efforts, including a £5.5 million repair completed in 2013, have ensured the reservoir's structural integrity while enhancing its role in flood management and . As of 2024, County Council announced an £18 million investment plan for improvements to countryside spaces, including upgrades at Chasewater Country Park. Today, Chasewater remains vital for canal navigation and stands as a testament to Staffordshire's industrial heritage blended with modern environmental and recreational value.

Geography

Location and Setting

Chasewater is located at coordinates 52°39′51″N 1°56′30″W, near the town of in , , within the broader area. It forms a central feature of the landscape in the parish of and the , situated at an altitude of approximately 152 meters above . The reservoir borders , which encompasses over 889 acres (360 hectares) of diverse terrain including heathland, woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. This setting places Chasewater in close proximity to the National Landscape, a known for its forested hills and natural beauty, enhancing its role as a transitional zone between urban and rural environments. The 's spans 6.69 square kilometers (669 hectares), primarily drawing from local streams such as the Big Crane Brook and Little Crane Brook within the surrounding low-lying landscape. Originally known as Norton Pool and constructed as a feeder , it was renamed Chasewater in to reflect its evolving recreational and geographical significance. Since May 2011, County Council has managed the site, ensuring its integration into public recreational use. Public access to Chasewater is facilitated through major roads, including Pool Road off the A5 () from to the south and the A5190 Lichfield-Cannock Road from Chasetown to the north. The site is further connected by local transport options, such as the heritage Chasewater Railway, which runs along the reservoir's shores from Brownhills West to Chasetown, providing scenic access for visitors. This infrastructure supports Chasewater's function as a key feeder while promoting its modern role in regional and conservation.

Physical Characteristics

Chasewater covers a surface area of approximately 1.08 km² (108 ha) and holds about 3.7 million cubic metres of , establishing it as a significant water body in . The reservoir's mean depth measures 3.7 metres, contributing to its role in regional water storage and supply. These dimensions underscore its engineering scale, designed to support canal navigation while integrating with the local landscape. As a key component of the local , Chasewater functions primarily as a feeder for the Wyrley and Essington Canal and the Birmingham Canal Navigations, channeling water through connected branches to maintain navigation levels. Its water levels exhibit seasonal fluctuations influenced by rainfall and inflows from small streams draining a of 6.69 km². This dynamic supports broader environmental functions, including flood attenuation and provision, within a heavily modified hydromorphological setting. Geologically, the reservoir sits atop deposits of and characteristic of the region, where unstratified gravelly boulder clay overlies coalfield formations and alluvium lines nearby valley floors. These substrates, including poorly drained stagnogley soils from boulder clay, influence the site's stability and water retention properties. The reservoir is retained by two , tying into the broader that manages its containment.

History

Origins and Construction

The construction of Chasewater, originally known as Cannock Chase Reservoir, was authorized by the Wyrley and Essington Canal Act 1794 (34 Geo. 3. c. 25), which received on 28 March 1794. This legislation enabled the extension of the Wyrley and Essington Canal and the development of a dedicated to address shortages exacerbated by the Industrial Revolution's demands for reliable navigation to support coal transportation from local collieries. Primarily designed as a feeder , Chasewater collected rainwater and floodwaters—restricted from direct stream abstraction under the act's clauses—to maintain water levels in the canal network serving collieries from to Wyrley Bank and Essington. The site was selected on former boggy terrain, including Norton Bog, where local and could be excavated from the basin for embankment , forming an unzoned earthen typical of early canal-era reservoirs. Work commenced in 1796 and concluded in 1797, but the initial structure failed in 1799 due to embankment instability amid heavy rainfall, causing downstream flooding and further delaying canal operations. The dam was rebuilt by early , restoring the reservoir's capacity of approximately 2,000 megalitres to ensure sustained for the canal system.

Ownership and Developments

Following the initial construction of Chasewater as a feeder reservoir for the Wyrley and Essington Canal, ownership was transferred in 1840 to the Birmingham Canal Navigations upon the merger of the two companies, enabling greater integration into the expanding regional canal system. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the eastern dam was raised to boost the reservoir's capacity and support heightened canal usage amid industrial growth. By the mid-20th century, as canal traffic declined, the sold Chasewater and surrounding land in 1957 to Urban District Council for £5,600, marking a shift toward public recreational use and amenity development. Ownership evolved further with local government reorganization; in 1994, responsibility passed to Lichfield District Council, which promoted its formal designation as a country park in 1998 to enhance public access and conservation efforts. In 2000, the Forest of Mercia Innovation Centre was constructed as an educational and environmental facility, funded through partnerships including European Regional Development Fund and local authorities, to support community engagement with the site's natural resources. To ensure long-term stability and management, the entire site—including the reservoir and country park—was transferred to Staffordshire County Council in 2011.

Infrastructure

Dam Structure

Chasewater Reservoir is retained by a dual dam system consisting of two earth embankment structures: the primary eastern dam, measuring 560 meters in length and reaching a maximum of 12 meters, and the secondary western embankment, which extends 1,200 meters long and stands 4 meters high. These dams enclose the reservoir basin, forming its characteristic shape with the eastern dam oriented north-south and the western one running east-west. The structures are classified as old, unzoned heterogeneous embankments, lacking a distinct clay core or internal filters, which contributes to their permeability and historical seepage challenges. The dams were originally constructed between 1797 and 1798 by the Wyrley and Essington Canal Company to create a feeder for the network, utilizing locally sourced materials excavated from the site. The embankments incorporate a heterogeneous mix of alluvial and glacial deposits, including sands, gravels, clays, and , with subsequent extensions incorporating colliery spoil from nearby operations. A severe in 1799 led to a breach, necessitating immediate rebuilding to restore functionality. In the late 19th to early , the eastern dam underwent heightening to increase storage capacity, allowing for greater water retention to support expanding demands. Over time, safety enhancements have been incorporated, including spillways capable of handling up to 10 cubic meters per second to manage overflow and prevent overtopping during heavy rainfall. Modern monitoring systems, involving boreholes, trial pits, and core sampling, have been implemented to assess internal erosion risks and ensure structural integrity, reflecting ongoing adaptations to the dams' original design limitations.

Reservoir Management

Chasewater functions primarily as a feeder for the Wyrley and Essington Canal and the broader Birmingham Canal Navigations, where it supplies water to maintain consistent canal levels through engineered outlets and pumping mechanisms. The relies on inflows from and tributary streams draining into the Anglesey Basin, balanced against outflows directed to the canal network, along with losses from and subsurface seepage. These dynamics lead to seasonal fluctuations in water levels, particularly during periods of high demand or variable weather, which are closely tracked to support navigational reliability. Ongoing management includes routine inspections to address buildup and evaluate parameters, with these efforts coordinated under regional frameworks following Staffordshire County Council's assumption of ownership in 2011. As of 2025, the council continues to oversee the site, integrating it into broader flood risk management and programs.

Ecology

Flora

Chasewater's wetland habitats support a variety of specialized aquatic and marginal plant species, including the nationally scarce floating water-plantain (Luronium natans), a perennial herb that forms floating rosettes in the reservoir's mesotrophic waters and is a key qualifying feature of the adjacent Cannock Extension Canal Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Another notable species is the round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), a carnivorous plant found in the acidic pools and mires of the surrounding Cannock Chase SAC, where it thrives on nutrient-poor, wet substrates. In the heathland and scrub areas encircling the reservoir, willow scrub dominated by grey willow () is actively managed to promote , providing habitat structure in damp valley systems. Common reeds () form dense stands along the water's edge, while bog mosses ( spp.) carpet acidic wetlands within the 900-acre Chasewater Country Park, contributing to the site's oligotrophic conditions. The flora benefits from nearby Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), including Chasewater and the Southern Staffordshire Coalfield Heaths SSSI, which recognize the area's lowland heath, , and nutrient-poor standing waters as nationally important. During infrastructure works, such as maintenance, mitigation measures are implemented to safeguard aquatic plants, ensuring minimal disturbance to sensitive species like L. natans. Key threats to the flora include like Himalayan balsam (), which outcompetes natives in damp areas and is subject to ongoing control efforts across the SAC. Seasonal water level fluctuations, driven by management, also affect marginal vegetation by exposing or submerging habitats, potentially altering community composition in drawdown zones.

Fauna

Chasewater supports a diverse array of animal , particularly in its and habitats, contributing to the ecological richness of the Chasewater and Southern Staffordshire Coalfield Heaths (SSSI). The reservoir and surrounding country park host approximately 140 bird , with notable populations among waterfowl and scrubland dwellers. Birdlife at Chasewater includes the (Bucephala clangula), a winter visitor that dives for aquatic prey in the reservoir. Willow tits (Poecile montanus), a priority species, inhabit the willow scrub areas, where targeted habitat management supports their breeding. Diverse migrants and residents, such as (Alcedo atthis) along the water's edge and grey herons (Ardea cinerea) foraging in shallows, add to the avian variety observed year-round. Mammals in the woodlands include (Dama dama) and (Cervus elaphus), which graze in open areas and are commonly sighted around the park. Otters (Lutra lutra) are occasionally reported in the vicinity, utilizing the reservoir and connected waterways as part of their expanding range in Staffordshire's river systems. Amphibians thrive in the park's ponds, with great crested newts (Triturus cristatus), a protected species, breeding in suitable aquatic habitats. Aquatic life centers on the reservoir, which sustains fish populations popular for angling, including (Perca fluviatilis) and (Rutilus rutilus), alongside pike and carp. Invertebrates, such as crustaceans and , form a critical base of the , supporting fish, birds, and amphibians through nutrient cycling in the nutrient-poor open water. Faunal populations are monitored through breeding bird surveys conducted seasonally to track species like willow tits and migrants, ensuring data for conservation planning. Many species, including birds, great crested newts, and otters, are protected under the , which safeguards nests, habitats, and individuals from disturbance. Management practices at the site minimize impacts from water sports, such as restricting motorized activities in sensitive breeding areas to preserve ecological balance.

Recreation and Use

Country Park Facilities

Chasewater Country Park encompasses over 900 acres of diverse landscape, including heathland and , and was promoted for development as a under the Lichfield Local Plan. Following the transfer of ownership to in 2011 (with operational management from 2014), the has been managed to provide accessible green space adjacent to the reservoir, featuring multiple car parks with pay-and-display options (£1.20 for two hours or £3.50 for all day as of ), extensive trails for walking and , and designated areas equipped with tables and shelters for visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings. Central to the park's amenities is the Chasewater Innovation Centre, built in 2000 and opened in 2001 with funding from , English Partnerships, and local sources; it serves as the primary visitor centre, offering educational exhibits on environmental themes such as local , water management, and sustainable practices through interactive displays and school programs. Recent investments as of 2024 include upgrades to the Innovation Centre and south shore areas to enhance visitor facilities. The Chase Sailing Club operates a dedicated clubhouse on the lakeside, providing changing rooms, showers, a bar, and social spaces to support water-based activities year-round. Angling platforms dot the reservoir's shoreline, offering stable access points for anglers targeting coarse fish species in a controlled environment managed under permit systems. Accessibility is a key aspect of the park's design, with surfaced paths suitable for and walking that accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids, including inclusive features like disabled parking in prime locations, adapted toilets at the Innovation Centre (open 11am-3pm), and ramps for entry to main facilities. A 5km route was established in June 2019, weaving through the park's trails and attracting participants of all abilities every Saturday at 9am. Under County Council's oversight since the 2011 transfer from Council, routine maintenance ensures the upkeep of these facilities, including path resurfacing and safety inspections to support a large number of annual visitors.

Activities and Events

Chasewater Country Park offers a variety of water-based activities, primarily managed through licensed clubs to ensure safety and . Water skiing, including disciplines such as slalom, trick, and , is available at the Chase Watersports Centre, where participants must complete safety inductions and obtain membership for boat use. Sailing and are facilitated by the adjacent Chase Sailing Club, which operates in a designated area of the reservoir to minimize conflicts with other users. for coarse fish requires permits issued by Council or affiliated angling clubs, with day tickets available to promote sustainable practices. On land, visitors can enjoy along a 7 km perimeter circuit around the , suitable for families and offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Walking trails meander through the park's woodlands and shores, providing accessible paths for leisurely strolls or longer hikes. The Chasewater Railway, a heritage steam line, has been operational for public passenger services since the late , with regular services from the 1970s, running approximately 2 miles between West and Chasetown stations with vintage locomotives. Key events enhance the recreational appeal, including a weekly parkrun—a free 5 km timed run—held every Saturday since its inaugural event in June 2019. Seasonal festivals, such as the annual and 1940s-themed weekends, draw crowds for themed train rides and live entertainment. Birdwatching is supported by dedicated hides at the northwest end of the , allowing observation without disturbing habitats. Regulations include a 5 mph speed in designated pit and areas on the water to prevent accidents, alongside seasonal restrictions limiting access on about four weekend days for events to protect and . The park attracts a large number of visitors annually, underscoring its role as a major recreational hub.

Conservation and Developments

Dam Repairs

The eastern dam of Chasewater Reservoir, originally constructed in 1799 following an earlier breach in 1797, underwent immediate rebuilding after a catastrophic burst in June 1799 that released millions of gallons of water, flooding the Crane Brook Valley and causing significant damage to infrastructure and farmland. The rebuilt structure was made thicker and wider, with limestone facing on the inner walls to enhance stability, allowing the reservoir to resume operations by early 1800. Throughout the 20th century, the dam received routine maintenance, including raising of the eastern embankment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to accommodate increasing water demands from the canal network, though detailed records of specific interventions remain limited. By the early , inspections revealed growing risks to the 12-meter-high, 560-meter-long eastern dam, which lacked a protective clay core and was susceptible to internal and seepage, posing a 1-in-1700 annual probability of that could generate a 5-meter wave threatening downstream communities like Tamworth. In response, Lichfield District Council initiated a major £5.5 million repair project in February 2010, fully draining the to expose the structure for assessment and reinforcement. The works, later completed under Staffordshire County Council oversight from May 2011, addressed these vulnerabilities through the installation of sand filters and relief wells along the embankment, a 200 mm fine filter layer overlaid with a coarser 200 mm layer, and steepening of the downstream slope from 1:3 to 1:2.5 for better stability. Additional upgrades included remodeling the overflow structure, adding an extra to the to prevent overtopping, relining the outlet pipe to the canal system, and inserting sheet piles in areas where filters were impractical. The project concluded in April 2012, with the plug reinserted in October 2011 and refilling progressing to full capacity by April 2013. To mitigate environmental impacts, contractors implemented protective measures for the site's (SSSI) status, including safeguards for protected species such as great crested newts, in coordination with . A rescue operation relocated approximately 50,000 fish from the , though they were not returned post-repair to avoid ecological imbalances during refilling. Recreation at Chasewater Country Park experienced minimal disruption, with public access maintained throughout the works to preserve visitor use of surrounding facilities. The repairs significantly enhanced dam safety, reducing the risk of erosion-induced failure and ensuring reliable to the West Midlands canal network while protecting over 2,000 downstream properties from potential flooding.

Recent Regeneration Projects

In 2024, County Council announced an £18 million investment plan for enhancing countryside sites across the county, including significant upgrades at Chasewater Country Park to improve visitor facilities and environmental resilience. This funding allocation specifically includes £7 million dedicated to Chasewater, focusing on to position the site as a premier regional destination. The initiative builds on public consultations held in late 2024, which gathered resident input to refine the project scope. A key component of the Chasewater upgrades is the £7 million redevelopment of the Chasewater Innovation Centre and its surrounding south shore area, aimed at enhancing facilities for both local communities and tourists. Planned improvements include modernized , expanded trails, and better features to support educational and recreational use. These enhancements are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing natural landscapes, promoting while protecting local . The regeneration efforts also encompass broader connectivity projects, such as integrating Chasewater with the 92-mile Way long-distance footpath through targeted trail revitalization and signage improvements. This linkage aims to encourage extended eco-tourism routes, drawing more visitors to the area while emphasizing low-impact access. As of August 2025, the funding for these projects was fully secured following a budget review, with the project under further review for implementation planning. As of November 2025, no further public updates on construction timelines have been announced. The initiatives are projected to enhance ecological resilience against climate challenges, including flood risks and habitat loss, by fostering biodiversity hotspots and sustainable water management practices.

References

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  2. https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/environment/OpenSpaces/OpenSpacesLichfield.aspx
  3. https://pier52.co.uk/blogs/blog/chasewater-county-park-the-home-of-pier52
  4. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/staffordshire/8507103.stm
  5. https://visitlichfield.co.uk/listing/chasewater-country-park/
  6. https://www.chasewaterrailway.co.uk/our-history/
  7. https://cannockchase.org.uk/parks/chasewater/
  8. https://www.visitstaffordshire.com/listing/chasewater-country-park/73601101/
  9. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-22212553
  10. https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2024/05/15/improvements-at-chasewater-country-park-included-as-part-of-18million-plan/
  11. https://www.waterpowermagazine.com/analysis/challenges-at-chasewater/
  12. https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB30436523
  13. https://nortoncanesparishcouncil.gov.uk/local-info/history
  14. https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2011/05/25/new-ownership-for-chasewater-country-park/
  15. https://www.chasewaterrailway.co.uk/brownhills-west-station/
  16. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/wyrley-and-essington-canal
  17. https://www.cannock-chase.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CoCo_The-Cannock-Chase-Landscape-compressed.pdf
  18. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01433768.2021.1999016
  19. https://waterways.org.uk/waterways/discover-the-waterways/wyrley-and-essington-canal
  20. https://lhcrt.org.uk/articles/wyrley.html
  21. https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/analysis/featurechallenges-at-chasewater/
  22. https://waterways.org.uk/waterways/discover-the-waterways/wyrley-essington-canal
  23. https://www.chasewaterrailway.co.uk/the-causeway/
  24. https://walkmidlands.co.uk/2023/04/06/walsall-burntwood/
  25. https://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/downloads/file/237/local-plan-1998-saved-policies
  26. https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/05/20/chasewater-ownership-will-now-be-re-allocated/
  27. http://captainahabswaterytales.blogspot.com/2016/05/chasewater-dam.html
  28. https://staffswaterways.org.uk/reservoirs
  29. https://brownhillsbob.com/2014/10/17/chasewater-heres-why-the-water-is-low/
  30. https://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2018-Rare-plant-register-for-BSBI.pdf
  31. https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/document-library/A0108%20-%20Appendix%20G%20-%20Information%20for%20HRA_0.pdf
  32. https://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/routeslinkswalks/chasewater-country-park-walking-and-cycle-route
  33. https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2025/07-July/Staffordshire-Highways-lends-a-hand-at-Chasewater-Country-Park.aspx
  34. https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-12/State%20of%20Staffs%20technical%20report%20compressed.pdf
  35. https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/visitors/about-cannock-chase/deer-chase
  36. https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/what-we-do/protecting-wildlife-and-wild-places/restoring-our-rivers
  37. https://live4fishing.com/chasewater/
  38. https://www.activelichfield.co.uk/chasewater-country-park/
  39. https://democracy.lichfielddc.gov.uk/CeConvert2PDF.aspx?MID=369&F=Agenda%20item%204.%20Meeting%20of%20the%20Burntwood%20Advisory%20Group%20minute%20February%202010.pdf
  40. https://staffordshire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s48684/Item%206%20Appendix%20C%20Chasewater%20-%20Development%20Plan%20v0%203.pdf
  41. https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2024/12/01/investment-in-chasewater-will-help-protect-vulnerable-plants-and-wildlife-council-chiefs-say/
  42. https://www.chasesc.org.uk/
  43. https://runabc.co.uk/new-chasewater-parkrun
  44. https://www.chasewaterski.co.uk/boat-owners/faqs/
  45. https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1466593
  46. https://www.birdguides.com/sites/europe/britain-ireland/britain/england/staffordshire/chasewater/
  47. https://www.chasewaterski.co.uk/boat-owners/club-rules/
  48. https://www.chronicleseries.com/charges-could-come-to-local-country-park/
  49. https://brownhillsbob.com/2014/03/30/when-the-dam-burst/
  50. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-15201460
  51. https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2012/04/19/work-completed-on-5-5million-chasewater-dam-project/
  52. https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2010/03/01/no-return-for-fish-removed-from-chasewater-during-dam-repairs0/
  53. https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/04/19/5-5m-work-on-chasewater-reservoir-is-finished/
  54. https://staffordshireliving.co.uk/2024/05/15/investment-plan-for-staffordshires-green-treasures/
  55. https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Environment/Environment-and-Countryside/Countryside-investment/Countryside-investment.aspx
  56. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98eyd4ngeyo
  57. https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/09-September/Planning-begins-to-help-countryside-attractions-blossom.aspx
  58. https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2025/08/10/funding-for-chasewater-regeneration-is-secure-despite-review-councillor-says/
  59. https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/10-October/Public-Engagement-Begins-for-18-Million-Investment-in-Staffordshire%27s-Countryside.aspx
  60. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7030zyk3l1o
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