Northampton Sailing Club Webcam (Pitsford Reservoir)

It doesn’t matter where in the world an expanse of water is, be it sea, ocean, river or lake, there is always someone who is going to float a craft of some description on it. The Pitsford Reservoir, a tranquil stretch of British water, doesn’t escape the human obsession for mastering the waves as it’s the home base of the Northampton Sailing Club. Albeit on this manmade lake the waves are surface ripples caused by the wind rather than those created by any tidal influence.

Pitsford Reservoir, or Pitsford Water, covers just over a thousand acres of the county of Northamptonshire. While the reservoir’s main purpose is to supply water to the nearby city of Northampton, it’s also a recreational area as well as a nature reserve. It’s not just wildlife and the boating community who get to enjoy the 1956-built reservoir either. The surrounding countryside is a top spot for cycling, hiking and birdwatching while the reservoir itself is a favourite place for trout fisherman to cast their flies as it’s well-stocked by the local water authority who manage it.

While you’re perusing this peaceful scene you may well spot a duck or two bobbing about, a crested grebe or even a kingfisher flash by. Join the live feed at the right moment and there’ll be sail boats scudding across the not so wavy waves, novice surfers and paddle boarders struggling to stay upright before making a splash or time it right and you’ll be able to watch a dinghy race.. You may also see absolutely nothing other than water. If the water levels in the reservoir appear low it could be because the folks of Northampton are a thirsty lot. Either that or they’ve ignored the hosepipe ban during, what can only be called, a wet drought.