Chasewater Feb 2010

Just thought I would share some photos and what I know about chasewater reservoir being drained. I have some info that i have been collecting over the last few weeks about what is going on at chasewater, some official, some gossip.

From what i know is the valves were opened on monday the 1st Feburary 2010 by Lichfields Councillor Val Richards and Councillor David Smith, and will be until September 2010 before water down to the lowest level and there should be left about 2ft of water left in.  they then will be undertaking the work to the dam of chasewater, as far as i know this is the main high track by the road that leads from the Brownhills side to the Burntwood side.  Looking from there they are clearing all the large plants and trees.  Once done wont be until December 2011 before back to the usual level that we know at chasewater.

From speaking to a fisherman that was fishing today, he said that the waterways authority will be netting all the fish out at what he thinks is a cost of £100k and any fish won’t be put back in after it is back to a normal level, not sure if this is true, any comments would be useful.

I had also heard from various people that there were a lot of dead fish before they started to empty it, but as far as i know this is gossip, but again any comments are useful.

I know also that a few of the canal events around the midlands have been cancelled so far, because the water levels of the canal will be low, and nearly all of the canal systems around this area use the water from the reservoir. Also as a guess because of it being emptied this will affect the trade of Chasewater in the summer, as there are normally some good events on apart from the sailing and rowing club.  I know I normally enjoy the dragon boat racing event that is normally in early August.

The Photo’s I have taken were from today Friday 26th Feb 2010, I had been meaning to get more before but just not had the time. I know some of the photo’s aren’t that good but is just for reference only, you can see a select few more photos at my Picasa site at http://picasaweb.google.com/kswebdesign.co.uk/ChasewaterFeb2010# This will open in new window/tab.

There is a warning sign to keep to the foot paths, I can recommend this as when i went over was very muddy anyway, but parts by the water line are very boggy, so take care where you are walking.

I will be trying to add  more photos over the next few months, thanks for taking the time to read this and please leave comments or other info you have.

UPDATE:

just uploaded a quick video to youtube.

If you cant see above video view direct on youtube by clicking here