The valley was flooded in 1958 and completely submerged farmland, roads and part of the Ashover Light Railway.

The reservoir also destroyed most of the village of Woolley, including the Woolley House Hydro, the village store, the blacksmiths, the joiners, the laundry, the sheep dip and 'Napoleons Home', the local public house.

The reservoir provides many leisure activities including sailing, windsurfing, stand up paddle boarding and trout-fishing.

It is especially well known for its bird-life and over 200 species have been recorded at Ogston including Wilson's phalarope, Sabine's gull and long-tailed skuas.

This article was prepared using information found on the website of the 'Woolley Trail', maintained by the local primary school.