AN OPEN day is being held at Bittell Reservoirs between 11am and 4pm next Saturday, May 14, to showcase the range of sporting activities on offer there.
Visitors will be able to meet up with the sports clubs which use the venue and sign up if they want to join.
Most of the estate is owned by the Canal and River Trust which leases it to Barnt Green Waters Limited, a non-profit company formed in 1920 to manage and maintain the land.
The estate comprises three reservoirs, Upper Bittell, Lower Bittell and Mill Shrub which feed into the Birmingham to Worcester canal and the River Arrow.
The Site of Special Scientific Interest boasts a diverse range of habitats and the reservoirs are home to wading birds, as well as providing a stop-off point for migrant species, making it ideal for birdwatchers.
There is also a fishing club which was established at the site in 1888.
Upper Bittell, which at 80 acres is the largest reservoir on the estate, is a course fishery with a large head of bream, roach and perch, providing fantastic pike fishing in the autumn and winter months.
Four other pools are used by full members of the fishing club, including Lower Arrow, which contains tench and carp, while Lower Bittell, Mill Shrub and Upper Arrow are reserved for fly-fishing for trout.
The sailing club was formed 104 years ago and is now one of the premier clubs in the West Midlands.
They have an RYA teaching establishment which provides courses for adults and children as young as seven.
The club focuses on racing but informal sailing is also encouraged, and there is a sailboarding section, paddleboarding group and a small team of canoeists and kayakers.
Barnt Green Waters funded the building of The Boathouse overlooking Upper Bittell which acts as a clubhouse for both clubs and has a large meeting room, changing facilities, a kitchen and bar.
The Boathouse also provides stunningly picturesque views and a unique venue for meetings, seminars or club and society headquarters.
It is also an ideal area for wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays and other evening events.
And the estate welcomes other groups to host activities such as The Birmingham, Running and Triathlon Club, which holds open swimming sessions at Upper Bittell.
A Friends of Bittell service gives full access to the estate for its members -those interested in natural history and the countryside.
Email [email protected] for more information on Bittell Reservoirs and next week’s event.
