Edgbaston Reservoir - Pathway Improvement Works

Overview

Edgbaston Reservoir sits within a designated 70-acre Local Nature Reserve surrounded by well established woodland and grassland areas. It is a popular destination for visitors participating in a wide varierty of outdoor activities centred on or around the water and is home to the Midland Sailing Club, Birmingham Rowing Club, the University of Birmingham Boat Club and Birmingahm TS Vernon Sea Cadets. 

Built in 1827 by Thomas Telford to serve as canal feeder to the Birmingham Canal network via Icknield Port Loop, it was famously crossed on a tightrope by Charles Blondin in 1873.

The site is managed by Birmingham City Council and the Canals and Rivers Trust in association with the Friend of Edgbaston Reservoir Group which was established to promote the reservoir as a site of nature conservation and heritage for the people of Birmingham.

Why your views matter

The path network surrounding the reservoir is very popular with visitors who regularly use it for walking, jogging and cycling around the 2.5km perimeter of the reservoir. The current loose surface of the pathway requires regular maintenance and repair work and there are ongoing erosion issues to the reservoir's banks that also need to be addressed.

The proposed scheme will see the construction of a new 2.5m wide surfaced path suitable for year-round pedestrian and cycle use. This will be combined with bank stabilisation and drainage works providing a sustainable long-term solution to the difficult ground conditions and waterlogging issues seasonally experienced by visitors using the path network.

Below: Proposed pathway appearance. 

It is important for us to hear your views on what happens in your local area, in addition the proposed scheme will contribute to the Council’s key priorities:

• Birmingham is a fulfilling city to age well in: through the visible investment and physical improvement of the site increased numbers of residents will be encouraged to participate in healthy recreation and physical activity.
• Birmingham is an aspirational city to grow up in :  through the design improvements, children and young people of all backgrounds and abilities will have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a safer and brighter environment.
• Birmingham is a great city to live in: The proposed improvements to perimeter paths and associated landscape works will encourage more visitors to the reservoir and by deterring vandalism and anti-social behaviour will provide a safer environment for site users.