Selset Reservoir

About the Site

Selset is 107.3 hectares, the largest of the two reservoirs in Lunedale, the other being Grassholme. It was constructed in 1960 and lies at an altitude of 310 metres.

There are large conifer plantations on the southern side surrounded by acid and marshy grassland - the latter often dominated by purple moor grass. There are also flushed areas and scattered broad-leaved trees.

From October to February, mallard and teal are regular visitors. A small number of pochard, tufted duck, goldeneye and goosander have wintered here since bird recording began in the late 1970s. Whooper swans have also been seen in small numbers. The reservoir can be an important winter roost for black-headed, great black-backed and common gulls.

In the summer months meadow pipit, skylark, whinchat, tree pipit, twite, curlew, lapwing, redshank and snipe may be seen on the surrounding grasslands and heath.

The deciduous woodland surrounding Selset is home to breeding spotted flycatcher and redstarts. Osprey are regularly seen on passage during the spring and autumn. Short-eared owl may be seen hunting on the southern side of the reservoir during late summer and early autumn.

Yellow wagtails are regularly recorded in summer. Unlike the grey wagtail, which prefers fast flowing streams, the yellow wagtail chooses water meadows and marshy fields for its breeding territory. Teesdale is one of the last strongholds for this species and is also the northerly limit of its range within Britain; it breeds only sparsely in southern Scotland.

Location

Access to the site can be gained by following the B6276 for approximately 5 miles from Middleton-in-Teesdale.
Grid reference: NY 903 212

Facilities

A rough moorland walking route can be followed along the shore. There is a large car park near the northeastern corner of the reservoir.

Enquiries

Northumbrian Water Limited
Abbey Road
Pity Me
Durham
DH1 5FJ

Tel: 0870 2403549