Staunton Harold Reservoir is a scenic 210-acre reservoir in Melbourne, Derbyshire. In 2018, the reservoir experienced significantly low water levels due to drought conditions. Currently, the reservoir is at 88.8% capacity, a stark contrast to the drought year. You can enjoy bird watching, sailing, and walking trails. It features a visitor centre, wildflower meadow, and a children’s play area. Open daily, it offers amenities like clean toilets, a National Trust café, and picnic benches. Parking is available and is free for National Trust members.
Staunton Harold Reservoir – The Drought of 2018
The first photo captures Staunton Harold Reservoir during that 2018 drought. The water level is noticeably low, exposing dry, cracked earth and meandering channels where the reservoir would usually be. In the foreground, water spills over a small weir, contrasting with the parched landscape beyond. Trees on either side frame the scene, with the warm tones of an early autumn day.
Staunton Harold Reservoir March 2025
The recent photo of Staunton Harold Reservoir on the right shows a striking contrast to the 2018 drought image. The water level is fully restored, stretching across the landscape with a calm, reflective surface. In the foreground, water spills over a weir, creating a frothy cascade. The surrounding trees have a mix of bare branches and early signs of spring growth, while the sky is clear with soft, wispy clouds. The scene highlights the reservoir’s recovery and the seasonal shift.
The Original Course of Scots Brook Revealed
The next image captures the stark landscape of Staunton Harold Reservoir during that same drought. Revealing the normally submerged Scots Brook returning to its original course. The reservoir’s water level is significantly reduced, exposing a broad expanse of dry, cracked earth interspersed with patches of green grass. A narrow stream of water, the Scots Brook, meanders through the parched landscape. In the foreground, an old structure, possibly once part of New England Farm, its remains normally hidden beneath the reservoir’s surface.
Staunton Harold Reservoir – A Glimpse into the Past
This last image offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the old road from Calke to Melbourne, normally submerged beneath the waters of Staunton Harold Reservoir. The exposed road stretches across the dry reservoir bed, a cracked and parched landscape. Remnants of stone walls hint at the route’s former use. Interestingly, I had the opportunity to speak with a local farmer who recalled walking this very road on his way to school in Melbourne. It’s incredible to think about the history embedded in this landscape. This scene is a poignant reminder of the ever-changing nature of the landscape and the enduring impact of human activity.