Draft:Ardsley Reservoir

Ardsley Reservoir, sometimes referred to as Tingley Reservoir due to its location directly south of Tingley, is a Reservoir situated between Tingley, Woodkirk, East Ardsley, and West Ardsley, and is one of Yorkshire Water's many reservoirs. It looks over the nearby, Emley Moor, and its 120 acres is used to supply feasible drinking water to the surrounding area, as well as to the Coca Cola plant in Lofthouse.

History
Construction of the Reservoir began between 1878-1879, before its completion in 1880. Its purpose was to provide a reliable source of water for the growing population in the area, due to the increase in industry, that are now non-existent, in the area.

The reservoir was mainly fled from upland reservoirs in Ryburn Valley. However, following the 1995 drought, an emergency feed was created linking the reservoir to underground aquifers present in the east.

During World War 2, trees were cut down from the surrounding areas and placed across the reservoir in order to prevent the landing of seaplanes.

Geography
Although the actual reservoir and trail which circles it is quite flat, it is located on a sloped area, which slopes down southwards. The majority of the surrounding area is fields, primarily agriculture in the north and grass in the south area around it. Located at the northern entrance of the reservoir is a rectangular area of woodland on a straight, but slopped pathway, which is often muddy. The woodland has many trails that go eastwards, some of which go into the field by it, the woodland also is quite a hilly area.

Access
The Reservoir has two entry points, one located just north of the reservoir through the wooded area which is located on Westerton Road, just across from the bottom of Thirlmere Drive. The other is located to the western side and passes by Redwood Farm Shop, and comes off from Haigh Moor Road. This western entrance also contains a small car park.