Surfleet Reservoir

The lock gates at Surfleet reservoir (seas end) from the fresh water side.

I had 2 lads working at Surfleet Reservoir today putting in new cables to a property the weather was sunny and cold but I think my cameras batteries must be running low as the picture is dark.

This is the tidal side of the river and it leads into the river Welland and out to the wash it is salt water( picture below).

The signs with no swimming are all over the place but when you see it at low tide the mud would put you off.

When we were kids we would sit on the lock gates and fish for Dabs (small flat fish) now days there is fencing and signs to stop anyone from going any where near the water.

The other side is Fresh water and has river side chalets or sheds as one of the lads commented.

Most have electricity and a loo and are used in the summer but others are lived in all year round. I have been called out here 3 times in the last 37 years. When the river floods its a nice community and you have to feel sorry for the people when it happens but at one point you could not stay in the properties from November to April.

When I was about 8 to 10 we used to come swimming here there used to be a small swimming area off the main river.

Its still there but it is like a muddy pond, rivers are not like they used to be or are they when we were young you didn't think of how dirty the rivers were, not like they do now.

It has to do with Heath and safety and mothers not letting the kids out of her sight.

Now you must think I love being around rivers and drains well I do and you don't have to go far to find one in the fens.

I work for an electricity company and get to a lot of places like the Reservoir all out of the way hidden little gems. Its great in the summer but in the winter you need 2 extra coats on as the wind goes straight through you.

There is a nice pub in walking distance( its the tall building in the photo of the tidal river on the left hand side) and the food is very good so have a walk along the rivers Glen, Vernatts and the Welland one day. The Reservoir is where all three meet and then head out to sea.

I nearly bought a house there once I can not remember why i didn't. (it must have been the ex wife's)

I'm Going to Holbeach and Gedney hill tomorrow I don't know why they call it Gedney hill as there is no hills for miles I will have to find out.

well that's it for today.