Rutland Water

The reservoir's construction, by damming the Gwash valley near Empingham, was completed in 1975. During its construction it was known as Empingham Reservoir. It flooded around 2½ sq. mi. (six or seven square kilometres) of the Gwash valley as well as the side valley, at the head of which lies Oakham. Nether Hambleton and most of Middle Hambleton were demolished and their wells were plugged as part of the ground preparation. Their neighbouring village of Upper Hambleton survived, and now sits on the Hambleton Peninsula. The Gwash makes a net input to the lake but its flow downstream is maintained. Most of the stored water is extracted from the River Welland at , between Tinwell and Stamford,…

The Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre, located in Egleton, features a gift shop operated by Anglian Water and a shop selling binoculars and telescopes. The centre includes the Rutland Environmental Education Centre, exhibits, and windows overlooking the wetlands. Rutland Water Visitor Centre, located at Sykes Lane, is a charming visitor information centre where there are a range of visitor leaflets & maps, knowledgeable staff, Rutland themed souvenirs & mini golf. The Lyndon Visitor Centre is located on the reserve's south shore. There are exhibits, bird viewing windows, trails and hides.