Manchester Bolton & Bury Reservoir

It was originally conceived that Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal would be supplied with water chiefly from the River Irwell at a point just above the Bury Bridge Weir. Mill owners would though have prior rights of supply, meaning water could be drawn into the canal only when the river ran above a certain level. The Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal Act 1791 (31 Geo. 3. c. 68) was passed in May 1791 and construction of the canal began almost straight away. At the same time, the company began exploring opportunities to extend their navigation in a manner reminiscent of proposals made as early as 1766, to connect the ports of Hull and Liverpool and their river navigations, by way of an…

The reservoir covers 226,000 sq m (56 acres) and contains some 1 million cubic metres (220 million imperial gallons). It is an important area for both resident and migrating water fowl, attracting many species throughout the year.