water managed by Northumbrian Water
Blackton is different to the other reservoir in the area. Hannah Hauxwell, who's bitter solitary struggle was depicted in the documentary Too Long a Winter, lived on a farm on the reservoir's banks. Her traditional farming methods proliferated the abundance of wild flowers and the site was designated an SSSI and nature reserve. There is no water abstraction for the sake of the wildlife, so the level doesn't fluctuate as dramatically as Selset or Cow Green and is consistently brimming.
This has increased the invertebrate diversity, and there is a hatch of Mayflies during the summer.
When the other reservoirs are low and pretty depressing, you can rely on Blackton to have a good level and be more enjoyable to fish.
There are few things more depressing than fishing in a low muddy reservoir.
Day permits are available to buy online here at on the Waterside Parks website.