Here’s a summary of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir:

• Location: Brushes valley above Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, England
• Purpose: Built in the 19th century to provide drinking water
• Owned by: United Utilities
• Dam type: Clay core within an earth embankment
• Peak District Boundary Walk: Runs across the dam on the south side of the reservoir
• Surface area: 23 hectares (57 acres)
• Average depth: 12 metres (39 ft)
• Maximum depth: 18 metres (59 ft)

The reservoir and its watershed are situated entirely within Greater Manchester, although it is very close to the Derbyshire border. It is a popular spot for walking, hiking, and birdwatching. The surrounding woodland provides a habitat for various wildlife species, including:

• Moorhen
   

  Moorhen bird
• Coot
   

  Coot bird
• Mallard
   

  Mallard duck
• Little Grebe
   

  Little Grebe bird
• Great Crested Grebe
   

  Great Crested Grebe bird
• Roe deer
   

  Roe deer
• Muntjac deer
   

  Muntjac deer

The Higher Swineshaw Reservoir is also a major spawning ground for the Common Toad.