Sir David Attenborough dug the first section of turf to oficially start work on new lagoons as part of a £115million project to take more water from the reservoir.


The major engineering project is to allow Anglian Water to meet increased demand for water in future years by removing up to 90 million extra litres per day from the reservoir.


To compensate for possible fluctuations in the water levels, new wetland areas and lagoons are being created to maintain suitable habitats for the wildlife.


Sir David has offered his support to the scheme and arrived at Egleton on Friday morning for a ceremony to launch the work. He then unveilded a commermorative plaque at the birdwatching centre.


He said: "This is a marvellous example of how the whole community can work together to produce something that benefits the community and the natural world."


The event was attended by Tim Appleton, reserve manager at Rutland Water, staff from Anglian Water and the contracting company Carillion and representatives from Rutland County Council. Brian Grady, the chair of Egleton Parish Council, also attended.