View source for Branston Water Park

{{Infobox park
| name           = Branston Water Park
| image          = Branston Water Park, Staffordshire - geograph.org.uk - 1556417.jpg
| image_size     = 
| image_alt      = 
| image_caption  = Looking across the lake
| map            = Staffordshire
| map_width      = 200px
| map_caption    = Location in Staffordshire
| type           = 
| location       = [[Burton upon Trent]]
| nearest_city   = 
| coordinates    = {{coord|52|47|4|N|1|41|2|W|region:GB_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| grid_ref_UK    = SK 215 208
| area           = {{convert|23.55|ha}}
| operator       = 
| visitation_num = 
| status         = 
| designation    = [[Local nature reserve]]
| open           = 
| website        =[https://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/branston-water-park Branston Water Park]
}}
'''Branston Water Park''' is a [[local nature reserve]] near [[Burton upon Trent]], in [[Staffordshire]], England, adjacent to the village of [[Branston, Staffordshire|Branston]].

==History==
The lake is a former [[gravel pit]], one of several along the [[River Trent|Trent Valley]]. There was gravel extraction here from the 1930s to the 1950s, after which wildlife habitats developed naturally. In the mid 1980s the land was leased by [[East Staffordshire]] Borough Council; public access was introduced, and the site was developed as a country park, with pathways, signage and a visitor centre.<ref name=plan>[https://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/parks/branston-water-park-management-plan.pdf "Branston Water Park: Management Plan 2018–2021"] East Staffordshire Borough Council. Retrieved 10 July 2020.</ref>

The reserve was designated a local nature reserve (LNR) in 2010. {{as of|2020}}, it has held the [[Green Flag Award]] since 2005.<ref name=plan/><ref name=council>[https://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/branston-water-park "Branston Water Park"] East Staffordshire Borough Council. Retrieved 9 July 2020.</ref>

==Description==
The [[Trent and Mersey Canal]] passes alongside the site to the north-west; to the south- east is the [[A38 road]].

Its area is {{convert|23.55|ha}}.<ref name=natural>[https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteLNRDetail.aspx?SiteCode=L1475794 "Branston Water Park LNR"] ''[[Natural England]]''. Retrieved 10 July 2020.</ref> It is a notable [[wetland]] site, and around the lake is woodland, predominantly of willow and birch, and wildflower meadow. There is a large [[reed bed]], which is a Grade 1 Staffordshire [[Site of Biological Importance]].<ref name=plan/>

There is a flat circular path around the lake, and there are picnic areas and a children's play area. The Burton Mutual Angling Association and the Burton Model Boating Club use the park by agreement with [[East Staffordshire Borough Council]].<ref name=plan/>

==References==
{{Commons category}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/parks/BranstonWaterPark.pdf Branston Water Park leaflet]

[[Category:Local nature reserves in Staffordshire]]
[[Category:Lakes of Staffordshire]]
[[Category:Parks and open spaces in Staffordshire]]