Description
Porth Reservoir like so many areas of fresh water in the South West is primarily a fishing lake (all year round). Check below the Dam at the Western end Vízirigó are occasionally found here. Just because this site is labelled as a 'nice if you are in the area' sort of site, don't be completely fooled, a jegesréce was found here in January 2024 and Jeges búvár and Hegyi réce have been seen in the past. The reservoir can be extremely busy with fishermen, some fish are over 30 pounds in weight, but there must be sufficient smaller fish as a number of Búbos vöcsök breed here and Jégmadár are regularly seen, the East (shallow) end is off limits to fishermen where there is a bird hide.
Details
Access
From the A39 main road near St Columb Major leave Trekenning roundabout West on B3059 signed Newquay/Airport/B3059, continue on this road until Trebarber, turn left at 'brown' sign Porth Reservoir, this road is narrow, at bottom of valley turn Left at sign Porth Reservoir, continue to smallish car park. The circular walking route that is indicated on the map is about 4 km.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Wetland , Lake , AgricultureConditions
FlatCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Autumn migration , Spring migrationRoute
Paved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Porth Reservoir gets particularly busy with fishermen at weekends, a visit on a weekday is probably best.

