Foulridge lies just North of Colne, Lancashire, UK. The reservoirs comprise three bodies of water, Foulridge Lower Res (otherwise known as Burwain Lake), Foulridge Upper Res and Brownhill Res, and are owned by the Canal and Rivers Trust. The reservoirs were constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries, the oldest and largest, the Foulridge Lower Reservoir (SD886418) constructed in 1793. Foulridge Upper Reservoir (SD893413) was constructed in 1865 with a causeway running through it at Brownhill Lane separating it from the smaller flooded fields known locally as Brownhill Reservoir (SD 897413). The reservoirs were constructed to supply water to the Leeds Liverpool Canal, as were the nearby Slipper Hill and Whitemoor Reservoirs.
Access:
From Junction 14 of the M65 take the first left off the roundabout along the A6068. Continue along that road and after 1.1miles turn left at the second round about onto the A56 towards Skipton. The A56 runs between the Upper and Lower Reservoirs as you reach the outskirts of Colne approximately 0.7 miles from the left turn.
Lower Foulridge Reservoir has a walkway which allows a full circuit of the res to be completed, however, the paths can get muddy following inclement weather. Upper Foulridge can be viewed from the A56 with difficulty as this is a busy road, however, good access can be had from the causeway on Brownhill Lane which separates it from a smaller Brownhill Reservoir. Slipperhill (SD 87502 24038) has access along one bank but there is no public access to Whitemoor (SD87814 43140).
Birds:
Lower Foulridge has a breeding population of GC Grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, and Reed Bunting and more recently Mandarin Duck. In autumn water levels dictate the numbers of waders recorded. Following a dry summer low water levels may leave large areas of exposed mud that typically attract Little and Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Ruff, Redshank and Greenshank. During exceptionally dry years Knot, Sanderling, Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper have also been recorded. During Autumn and Spring there is often a passage of Common, Arctic and Black Terns, Cormorants and passerines are often found in the vegetation surrounding the reservoir.
Winter birding usually produces Little Grebe, Cormorant, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, and Goosander (often in good numbers). Occasional visitors are Gadwall, Pintail, Shoveller, Scaup, and Ruddy Duck. There is also a large Gull roost with Iceland, Glaucous and Mediterranean Gulls being recorded, mid week being the best. Upper Foulridge is a major wintering site for Lapwing, up to 1000 being recorded. Canada Geese (250+) along with Wigeon graze the surrounding fields. Again waders are attracted when water levels are low.
Article kindly provided by A.A. Cooper updated in 2021 by B. Bracken.