The Ring Res

The Ring Res, so called because if its shape, is the oldest of the lakes on site and was originally excavated to provide a water source for the nearby Iron Ore processing plant. It was further deepened in 1976, during gravel extraction.

It used to be a favourite haunt for local kids who enjoyed swimming, diving and fishing in the water during the hot, summer months.  Many children actually learned to swim there, often being taught by older siblings.

Habitats and species

Being the oldest lake, the Ring Res is home to some of the largest fish, including carp and bream, and as such, is very popular with local fishermen.

It is also surrounded by more mature vegetation and, whilst the majority of this has been left, some areas have been cleared to encourage the growth of new reed beds. Look out for coots building their nests amongst these reeds, as well as for terns diving for fish and swallows and swifts hunting for insects above the water.

Memories

“I remember… taking my children on a cycle route across the corn field, down the railway track and back up King’s Meadow Way. I remember the dog swimming in the lakes, falling off the bridge and coming out covered in duckweed!”

“I remember… using the river bank at ‘Ankle Bay’ as a beach, learning to ‘swim’, paddling and splashing around – mums would come down and bring jam sandwiches. The water was really clear because of the gravel so the children didn’t get dirty either. Lots of the children had knitted swimming costumes which would get very heavy and saggy when wet. The river was our seaside.”

-Stanwick Chatterbox Group

I learnt to swim in the River Nene with 10 brothers and sisters. We couldn’t afford lessons so our older brothers taught us.”

-Mrs. Robinson, Little Addington

“I recall ‘Ankle Bay’ in the Stanwick mill stream. Many happy hours spent there and keeping clean, not realising we had the sand and gravel under our feet.”

-Stanwick Chatterbox Group