Cheddar Reservoir

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Cheddar Reservoir

Area of Search	Somerset
Grid Reference	ST441537
Interest	Biological
Area	105.4 (ha.) (260.6 acres)
Notification
Location Map	English Nature

Cheddar reservoir at dusk looking towards the western edge of the Mendip Hills and Crook Peak.

Cheddar Reservoir (grid reference ST441537) is an artificial reservoir in Somerset, England, operated by Bristol Water. Dating from the 1930s it has a capacity of 135 million gallons. The reservoir is supplied with water taken from the Cheddar Yeo river in Cheddar Gorge. The inlet grate for the 54 inch water pipe that is used to transport the water can be seen next to the sensory garden in the Gorge.

It has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (Ref No:1003948) due to its wintering waterfowl populations.^[1]

It lies to the west of the village of Cheddar and southeast of the town of Axbridge.

It is roughly circular in shape, and surrounded by large earth banks which are grazed by sheep.

It was the first British reservoir to permit sailing. Bristol Corinthians sailing club is situated at its northern end. Other recreational activities at the reservoir include windsurfing, angling (for pike and roach),and birdwatching.

Two car parks give access to the reservoir; one is at the Axbridge end, and on the eastern side, accessible from Cheddar. Reports in local newspapers allege that the car parks are popular with those familiar with the sexual practice of dogging.

Two water towers are present, one at the Cheddar end, and one at the Axbridge end.

[edit] Birds at Cheddar Reservoir

The reservoir, which has an area of 105.4 (ha.) (260.6 acres) is attractive to waterbirds; in particular wintering wildfowl and gulls.

Wildfowl present regularly in winter include Mallard, Gadwall (Anas strepera), Tufted Duck, Pochard(Aythya ferina), Wigeon, goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) and Goosander. A large flock of Coot is present, and Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) is also numerous.

Because of its proximity to the Bristol Channel, storm-blown seabirds are occasionally found here, including Shag, Grey Phalarope, and divers and grebes.

A number of rare and scarce birds have been seen at Cheddar Reservoir. These include

[edit] References

^ English Nature SSSI information for Cheddar Reservoir

[edit] External links

v • d • e

Bristol Reservoirs

Related topics: Bristol Water

v • d • e

Mendip Hills

Councils: Bath and North East Somerset | Mendip | North Somerset | Sedgemoor

Surrounding areas: Chew Valley | Somerset Levels | North Somerset Levels

v • d • e

Biological Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Somerset

Summarised data for all sites (biological and geological)

Neighbouring areas: Avon | Devon | Dorset | Wiltshire

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This article has been tagged since January 2007.

Coordinates: 51.27969° N 2.80284° W

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