Discovering the Tranquil Beauty of Mixenden Reservoir

 Nestled in the rolling hills of West Yorkshire, just a stone's throw from the bustling town of Halifax, lies a hidden gem of industrial heritage and natural beauty: Mixenden Reservoir. Beyond its shimmering waters and tranquil walking paths, this seemingly quiet spot holds a fascinating history that speaks to the ingenuity of a bygone era and the enduring spirit of the local community.

Inspired by my visit and the captivating scenery captured in these images, we've delved into the story of Mixenden Reservoir to uncover some of its most intriguing facts. It's more than just a place for a Sunday stroll; it's a living monument to the past.

The Man Behind the Water: J.F. Bateman's Legacy

The story of Mixenden Reservoir begins not with a shovel in the ground, but with the vision of one of the 19th century's most celebrated civil engineers, John Frederick Bateman. As the Industrial Revolution boomed, so did the population of Halifax, creating an urgent need for a reliable water supply. The town turned to Bateman, a man whose reputation stretched far beyond the Yorkshire moors—he had already designed major waterworks for cities like Glasgow, Dublin, and Belfast.

Bateman's grand scheme was to harness the moorland water above the town, using gravity to supply water to the growing population. On May 1st, 1867, the Mayor of Halifax, Thomas Shaw, ceremonially cut the first sod, marking the beginning of construction. The reservoir was built to hold a staggering 106 million gallons of water, covering 22 acres of land. Six years later, in 1873, the project was complete, and Mixenden Reservoir officially opened, becoming a vital part of the Halifax water supply system and a testament to Bateman's engineering genius.

Interestingly, Bateman's work was influenced by his travels abroad, particularly to Egypt. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society and even represented them at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869—a fact that adds a touch of international flair to this very local landmark.

A Landscape Rich in History

The reservoir itself is a relatively modern addition to an ancient landscape. The name 'Mixenden' itself has a rich past, derived from the Old English 'gemot-denu,' meaning "valley where meetings are held." This suggests the area has been a place of gathering for centuries.

Walking the paths around the water, you're treading on ground that has witnessed countless historical moments. In 1963, a local archaeological group made a remarkable discovery on the nearby Ogden Moor: a section of an ancient Roman road that once ran from Manchester to Ilkley. This road actually crosses the northern end of the reservoir, a fascinating link to a time long before Halifax's mills and factories. The area's history runs even deeper; a large Bronze Age urn containing cremation remains was found here in 1877, a powerful reminder of early human settlement.

The local council and community have embraced this history, creating an interactive "Mixenden History Hike." The trail features a series of wooden posts, each with a QR code that, when scanned, plays audio clips detailing snippets of local history. It's a brilliant way to bring the past to life and a perfect activity for families exploring the area.

A Modern Retreat for All

Today, Mixenden Reservoir is no longer just a functional piece of water infrastructure. It has been transformed into a cherished recreational space for the local community and visitors alike. As the photographs show, the views are breath taking, with the still water reflecting the open skies and the surrounding hills. It’s an ideal spot for a moment of quiet reflection, a vigorous walk, or a bit of birdwatching—the reservoir is known to attract various species, including cormorants, gulls, and goldeneye.

Recent community-led projects, in partnership with Yorkshire Water, have focused on revitalizing the area. Volunteers have cleared overgrown paths and installed new footbridges, making the routes more accessible. A parallel initiative, the "Wild Walk," is a 1km circular route with 12 posts dedicated to local wildlife, encouraging younger explorers to listen for the drumming of a green woodpecker or the call of a tawny owl.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Mixenden Reservoir offers something for everyone. It's a place where the grandeur of Victorian engineering meets the quiet beauty of the Pennine landscape, a testament to a local history that continues to evolve. So next time you're in the Halifax area, lace up your boots and take a walk around Mixenden—you'll be walking through a rich and inspiring past.

The pictures below were taken with a Polaroid is3132 camera on the 7th June 2015, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Unveiling Warley Moor: A Land of Dramatic Beauty and Shifting Skies

Nestled approximately six miles north of Halifax, along the historic route to Haworth, lies the captivating expanse of Warley Moor. This isn't just any stretch of open land; it's a place where the wild beauty of the Pennines truly comes alive, offering a unique blend of stunning vistas, historical echoes, and a climate all its own.

Perched around 1,440 feet above sea level, just above the quaint village of Wainstalls in the area affectionately known as Top Withins, Warley Moor possesses a character as untamed as the winds that sweep across it. I've often set out from my home in the valley, perhaps Sowerby Bridge, under clear, calm skies, only to arrive at Warley Moor to be greeted by a dramatic shift – rain lashing down and a storm brewing. This meteorological capriciousness is one of the moor's defining features, giving it an almost mythical quality.

Locally, this enigmatic landscape is known by several names, each hinting at a different facet of its identity: Fly Flatts, conjuring images of open, windswept spaces; Top Withins, grounding it in its geographical context; and Ovenden Moor, reflecting its broader topographical connections.

Beyond its ever-changing weather patterns, Warley Moor offers truly unbeatable views. From its elevated position, your gaze can sweep across the intricate tapestry of the Calder, Hebble, and Oxenhope Valleys, a breath taking panorama that stretches to the horizon, revealing the rugged beauty of the West Yorkshire landscape.

Adding to the moor's distinctive character are two prominent landmarks. The tranquil waters of Warley Moor Reservoir lie cradled within the landscape, a serene counterpoint to the wild expansiveness of the moor. And standing as a testament to modern ingenuity, the towering turbines of Ovenden Moor Windfarm punctuate the skyline, a contemporary addition to a landscape steeped in history.

These photographs, captured on a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on October 5th, 2013, offer just a glimpse into the raw, untamed beauty of Warley Moor. They hint at a place where nature reigns supreme, where every visit offers a new experience, and where the line between land and sky often blurs into a captivating embrace

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Warley Moor Reservoir

Nestled within the dramatic embrace of Warley Moor, the serene expanse of Warley Moor Reservoir, affectionately known as Fly Flatts, stands as a testament to Victorian ambition and engineering prowess. This isn't merely a body of water; it's a vital piece of infrastructure, a hub of leisure, and a captivating landmark in its own right.

Its construction, a monumental undertaking, spanned a formidable eight years, finally reaching completion in 1872. This colossal project was spearheaded by the Halifax Waterworks Extension Scheme, a crucial initiative to quench the growing thirst of Halifax's burgeoning population during the industrial revolution. Imagine the sheer dedication and grit required by the navvies and engineers who toiled on this exposed moorland, transforming the landscape to serve a critical need.

When brimming to its capacity, Warley Moor Reservoir transforms into an impressive inland sea, covering a vast 68 acres. At its deepest point, the water plunges to 45 feet, holding an astonishing approximately 193 million gallons. This colossal volume underscores the scale of the Victorian vision to secure a reliable water supply for the expanding urban centres down in the valleys.

Today, this vital asset is meticulously owned and maintained by Yorkshire Water, ensuring its continued function as a key component of the region's water infrastructure. However, the reservoir's story extends beyond its utilitarian purpose. Since 1959, its waters have been the proud home of the Halifax Sailing Club. This is no ordinary sailing club; thanks to the reservoir's impressive elevation, it boasts the unique distinction of being the highest sailing club in Britain.

Imagine the exhilaration of harnessing the strong, unpredictable winds that sweep across Warley Moor, with panoramic views stretching out beneath you. The club's members not only enjoy the thrill of sailing in such a dramatic and elevated environment but also contribute to the vibrant community that thrives around this magnificent Victorian legacy. Warley Moor Reservoir, therefore, is not just a body of water, but a living piece of history, a crucial resource, and a beacon for those who seek adventure on the highest waters of Britain.

Ovenden Moor Wind Farm

The story of Ovenden Moor Wind Farm is a fascinating microcosm of the evolving landscape of renewable energy in the UK, particularly when set against the dramatic backdrop of the Pennine moors.

Opened in 1993, the original Ovenden Moor Wind Farm was a pioneering project, representing a significant investment of £12 million (equivalent to approximately €9.1 million with a €2 million contribution from the EU's Thermie Programme). At its completion, the site hosted 23 Vestas WD34 400 kW turbines, each standing 32 metres high with a 34.8-metre rotor diameter, combining to generate a total capacity of 9.2 MW. These early turbines were projected to have a lifespan of around 25 years and were designed to power approximately 5,500 homes.

However, the wind farm's presence was not without its controversy. Situated in an area of exceptional natural beauty, directly overlooking the globally renowned Brontë Country and the picturesque Calder and Hebble Valleys, the sight of these towering structures sparked considerable debate. Local communities and heritage groups, including the Brontë Society, voiced concerns about the visual impact on the cherished landscape and the potential disruption to the very essence of this historic literary setting. This tension between the need for renewable energy and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage remains a recurring theme in the development of onshore wind farms.

Fast forward to 2015, and the original turbines had served their purpose. In a move reflecting the rapid advancements in wind turbine technology, they were decommissioned. What followed was a significant repowering project, replacing the 23 older, smaller turbines with just 9 new, more powerful Gamesa G80-2MW units. These modern giants stand significantly taller, with a hub height of 75m and a tip height of 115m, and are capable of generating 2.5 MW each, for a total installed capacity of 22.5 MW. This dramatic reduction in the number of turbines, coupled with a substantial increase in individual turbine capacity, meant a far more efficient use of the site. The result? The repowered Ovenden Moor Wind Farm can now generate enough clean electricity to power an estimated 11,000 homes, effectively doubling its original output with fewer, but more impactful, structures.

The evolution of Ovenden Moor Wind Farm from its pioneering origins to its modern, repowered state exemplifies the ongoing journey of renewable energy. It highlights the technological leaps that have made wind power increasingly efficient, while also underscoring the enduring challenge of balancing energy needs with environmental and aesthetic considerations in cherished landscapes.

The video below shows a number of pictures taken around the moor on a number of visits including this one on the 5ht October 2013.

 

 

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.