The Gaddings Dam Group

Become a friend
Become a friend

Who we are

Gaddings Dam is owned and maintained by The Gaddings Dam Preservation Company Ltd, usually known as the Gaddings Dam Group.

We’re a not-for-profit, run by volunteers, with one purpose:
To preserve and operate the dam safely as a heritage and environmental amenity for the public.

What we do

Keeping a reservoir safe involves constant work, including:

  • Regular inspections and monitoring (including extra checks in heavy rain)

  • Maintenance and repairs to walls and embankments

  • Rubbish collections and site care

  • Meeting requirements under the Reservoirs Act

  • Managing erosion, wave damage, and long-term reconstruction work

A Quick History

  • Early 1800s: Rochdale Canal Company builds the first dam in the area (the eastern reservoir)

  • 1831–1835: Local mill owners, including the Fielden brothers, drive new waterworks for industrial supply

  • 1833: Gaddings Dam West is built (earth embankment style typical of the period)

  • 1960s: The reservoir is refilled after being left empty for years

  • 2001: Planned draining prompts a local campaign to save it

  • 2002: The group completes purchase and takes over responsibility for the dam

Share history and memories

If you have old photos, stories, or references to Gaddings Dam in family records or local documents, please email us, we’d love to hear from you.

Support Gaddings Dam — Friends membership

The best way to help is by joining the Friends of Gaddings Dam.

  • £15 per year

  • The vast majority goes directly to operating costs

  • Membership can be cancelled at any time (subscriptions already paid aren’t refundable)

One-off donations are also welcome.