Severn Trent set to invest £6 million as part of improvement project at Linacre Water – with public footpath closing for 10 months

Severn Trent has unveiled a £6m investment at Linacre Water in Derbyshire – which will fund reservoir enhancements, improvements to woodland and creating new wildlife habitats.

The historic site near Chesterfield, which dates back to the 1850s, is home to three reservoirs and is a major attraction for nature lovers, cyclists and birdwatchers.

Severn Trent has revealed plans to upgrade the much-loved Linacre Water for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.

A key part of the scheme is to carry out improvements at Linacre Lower Reservoir, to further protect the dam during heavy rainfall.

To allow teams to carry out that part of the project safely, a public footpath across the lower reservoir dam will be closed for up to ten months from Monday, June 15 – with signage in place for alternative routes.

Other parts of the investment programme will support nature at the site by providing a protected area and improving woodland health. It will also support the creation of new habitats and the planting of a wider mix of tree species to benefit wildlife and birds.

A Severn Trent spokesperson said: “Linacre Water dates back to the 1850s and, while it no longer supplies drinking water currently, it remains an important and much‑loved site.

“Linacre is an important site for wildlife, and we’re taking great care to protect it. We’ve completed detailed ecological surveys and will continue to monitor the site throughout the works.

“This investment will help ensure the reservoir is resilient for the future, while also delivering long‑term benefits for the surrounding natural environment.

“We’d like to thank visitors and the local community for their patience while these important works take place.”

Severn Trent will continue to keep visitors and the local community informed throughout the project via on‑site information boards and its website here: https://www.stwater.co.uk/