If you are visiting Yarrow Valley Country Park you may notice work taking place at the reservoir.
A leak was spotted by our teams on their daily inspection and immediate repairs have been carried out.
We have sought advice from external advisors and further inspections and long-term repairs are now required. In order to carry out this work, we need to lower the water level in a controlled manner.
Our priority is to complete the full repair works as quickly as possible however the water levels are likely to remain low into the new year. In the meantime, a small section of the pathway has been cordoned off for safety, please avoid this area.
We are working closely with the Environment Agency and will follow their guidance to protect wildlife.
We will provide more updates soon. Thank you for your understanding whilst we work to address this in the safest way.
Update: 3.17pm 12 December 2025
Teams have been working at the site doing a full inspection of the affected area of the reservoir.
The area causing the leak has been stabilised and three siphons have been installed which is now draining the water in preparation for the repair work. We have been working closely with the Environment Agency who are satisfied with the current operations.
The siphons will remain in place over the weekend, and our teams will be out each day to monitor conditions and to ensure stability.
3.08pm 18 December 2025
The works at the reservoir will continue across the Christmas period.
As advised by a reservoir panel engineer, we are lowering the water level by one metre ensuring that no water remains at the face of the drawdown chamber.
One siphon will remain in operation until the target level is reached. Our team will be on site each day across the period to conduct safety checks.