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Rutland Water is a reservoir in the county of Rutland, England, just east of the county town Oakham. It is one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, and is set in 3,100 acres (13 km²) of open country.
It was constructed by damming the Gwash Valley, in 1975. It flooded most of Middle Hambleton. The remaining parts - now just named Hambleton - are on a peninsula in the middle of the lake. It narrowly avoids flooding Normanton - the church of which was raised just in case.
It is not just used for storage of water, but is a popular sports centre - as well as water sports, there are fishing, walking and cycling, with a 25 mile (40 km) perimeter track. A pleasure cruiser sails on the reservoir.
The reservoir and its surroundings encompass two nature reserves and it is now designated as a Special Protection Area and a "A wetland of international importance" - the former for its wintering populations of gadwall (some 4% of this species's European population) and shoveler ducks. It is home to the Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre. Every August, the centre is the venue for the British Birdwatching Fair, other birds listed include Lapwing, Coot, Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Teal, Wigeon, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe.
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