SCOUT DIKE RESERVOIR
Wildfowl, waders and more at an upland lake
Scout Dike Reservoir is part of a trio of reservoirs north of the market town of Penistone. This mediumsized reservoir is managed by Yorkshire Water, and is also home to Barnsley Trout Club. With shallow and deep waters fed by a babbling brook and paths surrounded by a mixture of fields, meadows, ancient woodland and a conifer plantation, the reservoir attracts a wide range of bird species. The waters are home to a variety of waterfowl including Great Crested Grebe and Cormorant, with Lapwing round the edges. Owls hunt the bordering fields and meadows and woodpeckers, Whitethroat and Redstart are regular woodland visitors.
WHERE TO WATCH 1
The path from the car-park along the north bank offers clear views of the water where Grey Heron and Cormorant vie with anglers for the trout. As you continue further north, larger trees and bushes attract flocks of Linnet, Fieldfare and Bullfinch. Willow Tits are regular visitors.
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The bridge across the brook at the northern end is a good place to stop and look for Kingfisher. As you loop back southwards, look out for Redstart (in spring and summer), Jay and Great Spotted Woodpeckers in the wooded area to your left, while the fields to the right are home to Lapwing, Curlew and are a hunting ground for Kestrel.
3
After completing a small detour to cross Maze Brook you’ll enjoy clear views of the reservoir. A couple of benches along this stretch offer good places to spot Great Crested Grebe, Grey Wagtail and Dunlin.
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As you turn to follow the path across the embankment, there are plenty of places to stop and look back across the entire length of the reservoir. Canada Geese and Mallard gather near here. You’ll hear Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tits, and other woodland species in the conifer plantation to the right.