In response to the opportunity presented by the proposed programme of new reservoirs, Natural England have published Reservoirs in the Landscape: Design Principles. Developed in consultation with water companies, their landscape consultants and other stakeholders, the principles aim to encourage good design, integrating reservoirs into the landscape, while promoting biodiversity, heritage and public access to nature. There are five defining principles, underpinned by guiding principles and actions.

The guidance includes photographs and images of some of our best-known reservoirs, highlighting how successfully reservoirs can be integrated into the broader landscape.