Eglwys Nunydd

The Eglwys Nunydd is a 260-acre (110 ha) supply reservoir[1] in Margam, Wales originally constructed in 1963 to provide water for the large steelworks at Margam[2] Specifically the reservoir was to provide a supply of cooling water for the cold rolling mills at the eastern end of the works.[3]

Eglwys Nunydd
Eglwys Nunydd
LocationMargam, Wales
Coordinates51°32′58″N 3°44′22″W
Typereservoir
Basin countriesUnited Kingdom

Description

Eglwys Nunydd covers 260 acres (110 ha),[4] has a shore line two thirds of which is in the form of a concrete bowl.[3] and is around 14 feet (4.3 m) deep.[2]

Birdlife

Eglwys Nunydd has shallow, alkaline water with a bed that comprises mainly silt and cobbles where the fertility encourages weed growth which in turn promotes a productive insect population.[4] It was originally designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its birdlife in 1972, and this was confirmed in 1982. The site is notable for its breeding birds which include great crested grebe, little grebe, mallard, gadwall and Eurasian coot.[5] Other species normally present include tufted duck and common pochard and among the local birdwatchers it has a reputation for producing locally rare birds such as goosander, smew, long-tailed duck, greater scaup and great northern diver.[6]

Killer shrimp

In 2010 it was reported that the invasive amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus had been found in the reservoir.[7] However anglers have observed that these crustaceans form a major part of the diet of the reservoir's stocked rainbow trout and have been told to be aware of biosecurity when fishing so they do not transfer the "killer shrimp" to other waters.[4]

Recreation

The lake supports a trout[1] and coarse fishery managed by Tata Game Angling.[3] and is used for dinghy sailing run by the Tata Sailing Club.[2]

References
  1. "Fisharound - Eglwys Nunydd reservoir". Fisharound. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  2. "EGLWYS NUNYDD RESERVOIR, MARGAM". Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  3. "History". Tata Game Fishing Club. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  4. "Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir (Tata Game Angling)". The Wye & Usk Foundation. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  5. "Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir" (PDF). Natural Resources Wales. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  6. "Birding Neath Port Talbot". The Fat Birder. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  7. "Invasive 'killer' shrimp found at two sites in Wales". BBC. 29 November 2010. Retrieved 24 March 2020.


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