Westport Lake - Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, UK. - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

Westport Lake is one of the cities Natural Heritage Sites and was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in July 2004.

Westport Lake Nature Reserve is located in a residential area at Longport on the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal. Until the 1880's the area was farming land with mining from Brownhills Colliery running underneath.

The lake is a legacy of coal mining associated with the area's historic potteries and industrial trade. The lake was formed in 1884 when the workings of the old Brownhills Colliery hit the water table, flooding the tunnels and ground above.
In 1890 it was developed into a pleasure resort by a local farmer, it then descended into a wasteland.
The site was opened by Prime Minister Ted Heath in 1972, a prime example of turning an industrial wasteland into a pleasant centre for open-air recreation within an urban community, and has proven to be one of the city’s most popular and enduring regeneration projects.

A view of Westport Lake in 1974 can be seen at the following link; (visit link)

In 1986 the area became on of Stoke's first regeneration projects. It is now run in partnership between Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and Stoke City Council.
The visitor centre, leased from Stoke-on-Trent City Council from 2009, acts as the headquarters of the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust in the north of the county, with offices, a conference room, popular cafe and a regular programme of family events. (visit link)

Westport Lake is well known for its water birds and the area is popular with bird spotters, walkers and anglers.

The site, one of the most visited sites in the city, features two lakes and a number of smaller pools, grassland, scrub, woodland, a nature conservation area and a children's play area. The Scotia Brook - begins at Turnhurst and runs through Tunstall until it meets the Fowlea Brook at Westport Lake.

The main lake at Westport Lake is the largest body of water in the city. It is the most important site in Stoke-on-Trent for wintering and migrating birds; ducks from North and Eastern Europe regularly visit and occasional rarities like Iceland and Mediterranean gulls are seen.
A variety of insects inhabit the lakes which, during the summer, attracts bats searching for food.
SOURCE: (visit link)

Fishing.
The water at Westport Lake is owned by the City Council and run by the Middleport W.M.C. Day tickets are available on the bank or season tickets are available from local tackle shops the nearest being Pickerings of Burslem which is in the town of Burslem. (visit link)

"Westport Lake is also home to one of the few architectural achievements of recent times in the new Westport Lake Visitor Centre. Delivered by a partnership led by British Waterways, the centre provides a guide and history of Westport Lake, and is to a sleek, modern design allowing stunning views across the park, and using materials sympathetic to its waterside setting." SOURCE: (visit link)
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Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 5.81 ha (14.36 acres) Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: A number of footpaths through the woods and conservation area including The Mallard Walk and a flat level path around the lake. What points of interest are there?: Two Lakes, woods, meadow, Trent and Mersey Canal, Conservation Area, Fowlea Brook What activities are available?: Walking, bird watching, fishing, nature walks and activities during school holidays, visitor centre with café, children's play area, picnic tables, cycling Hours of accessibility?: Open all the time for walking List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Deep water in the lakes and canal. Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: No Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link] If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

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