Map of the lake

Chew Valley Lake (grid reference ST5659) is a large reservoir in the Chew Valley, Somerset, England, and the fifth-largest artificial lake in the United Kingdom (the largest in south-west England), with an area of 1,200 acres (4.9 km²). The lake, created in the early 1950s and opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1956, provides much of the drinking water for the city of Bristol and surrounding area, taking its supply from the Mendip Hills. Some of the water from the lake is used to maintain the flow in the River Chew. Image File history File links LinkFA-star. ... Download high resolution version (1802x2589, 189 KB) File links The following pages link to this file: Keynsham Categories: GFDL images | GBdot ... Bristol Water supplies 300 million litres of drinking water to over 1 million customers in a 1000 square mile area centered on Bristol. ... This article is about the county of Somerset in England. ... Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ... For other uses, see Lake (disambiguation). ... ... The River Chew is a small river in England. ... The River Chew is a small river in England. ... A drainage basin is the area within the drainage basin divide (blue outline), and drains the surface runoff and river discharge (green lines) of a contiguous area. ... To help compare sizes of different geographic regions, we list here areas between 1 km² (100 hectares) and 10 km² (1000 hectares). ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (591x785, 40 KB) Summary Map of Chew Valley Lake near Bristol in England. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (591x785, 40 KB) Summary Map of Chew Valley Lake near Bristol in England. ... The British national grid reference system is a system of geographic grid references commonly used in Great Britain, different from using latitude or longitude. ... The Ashokan Reservoir, located in Ulster County, New York, USA. It is one of 19 that supplies New York City with drinking water. ... This article is about Chew Valley in Somerset. ... This article is about the county of Somerset in England. ... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Lake (disambiguation). ... This article is about the unit of measure known as the acre. ... Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor; born 21 April 1926) is Queen of sixteen sovereign states, holding each crown and title equally. ... Drinking water Mineral Water Drinking water is water that is intended to be ingested by humans. ... This article is about the English city. ... The Mendip Hills (commonly called The Mendips) are a range of limestone hills (karst) situated to the south of Bristol and Bath in north Somerset, England. ... The River Chew is a small river in England. ...

Before the lake was created, archaeological investigations were carried out that showed evidence of occupation since Neolithic times and included Roman artefacts. The lake is an important site for wildlife and has been dedicated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA). It is a national centre for birdwatching, with over 260 species recorded, including some unusual sightings. The lake has indigenous and migrant water birds throughout the year, and two nature trails have been created. The flora (plants) and fauna provide a variety of habitats and include some less common plants and insects. An array of Neolithic artifacts, including bracelets, axe heads, chisels, and polishing tools. ... Ancient Rome was a civilization that grew from a small agricultural community founded on the Italian Peninsula circa the 9th century BC to a massive empire straddling the Mediterranean Sea. ... A Site of Special Scientific Interest or SSSI is a conservation designation denoting a protected area in the United Kingdom. ... A Special Protection Area or SPA is a designation under the European Commission Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC). ... Birdwatching or birding is the observation and study of birds. ... In Botany a Flora (or Floræ) is a collective term for plant life and can also refer to a descriptive catalogue of the plants of any geographical area, geological period, etc. ... Fauna is a collective term for animal life. ... Habitat (which is Latin for it inhabits) is the place where a particular species live and grow. ...

Some restricted use for recreational activities is permitted by the owner, Bristol Water, including dinghy sailing and fishing, primarily for trout. Bristol Water supplies 300 million litres of drinking water to over 1 million customers in a 1000 square mile area centered on Bristol. ... 2 GP14s, a Topper and a Graduate Dinghy sailing is the activity of sailing small boats by using (1) the sails and (2) underwater foils (centreboard and rudder). ... Fishing is the activity of hunting for fish by hooking, trapping, or gathering. ... Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss Biwa trout (or Biwa salmon), Oncorhynchus masou rhodurus Trout is the common name given to a number of species of freshwater fish belonging to the salmon family, Salmonidae. ...

Location

Chew Valley Lake in the Chew Valley at the northern edge of the Mendip Hills, surrounded by meadows and woods and close to the villages of Chew Stoke, Chew Magna and Bishop Sutton. When it was built in the 1950s, its 1,200 acres (4.9 km²) were flooded with 4,500 million imperial gallons (20,000,000 m³) of water from the Mendip hills, with a catchment area of 14,000 acres (57 km²). It is relatively shallow, with an average depth of only 14 ft (4 m) at top level and a maximum depth of just 37 ft (11 m). It is fed by several small rivers, and it flows into the River Chew for 17 miles (27 km) before it joins the Avon to head out to sea. The deepest part is near the dam and the outlet tower, where the steeply sloping shores of Walley Bank and the north shore result in depths of up to 20 ft (6 m). "Denny Island", above the surface throughout the year, is wooded and provides a habitat for wildlife. This article is about Chew Valley in Somerset. ... The Mendip Hills (commonly called The Mendips) are a range of limestone hills (karst) situated to the south of Bristol and Bath in north Somerset, England. ... Bridge at Chew Stoke Chew Stoke is a small village approximately 8 miles south of Bristol. ... Chew Magna is a village in North East Somerset, south of Bristol. ... Bishop Sutton (Grid reference ST587597) is a small village within the Chew Valley in Somerset. ... The River Chew is a small river in England. ... The Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge The River Avon is a river in the south west of England. ...

The lake is owned and operated by Bristol Water, which created it in 1956 when the demand became too large for nearby Blagdon Lake. Working with the Avon Wildlife Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust and other environmental groups, Bristol Water has encouraged various species of birds and plants, and created a venue for visitors. Blagdon Lake was created by the Bristol Waterworks Company (as it was known then), when it dammed the river Yeo, starting construction in 1891 and completing this in 1899. ... The Avon Wildlife Trust aims to protect and promote wildlife in the area of the former county of Avon - now Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. ... The Somerset Wildlife Trust is a wildlife trust covering the county of Somerset, England. ...

It has two large landscaped picnic areas. Facilities include a tea shop, with indoor and outdoor seating areas with a view of the lake, and information centre. There are also a souvenir shop and small art gallery^[1] and two nature trails. The Grebe Trail^[2] is a hard-surfaced, all-weather path suitable for pedestrians, pushchairs and wheelchairs and covers a circuit 0.75 miles (1.2 km) long, starting and finishing at the wooded picnic area. The Bittern Trail^[3] is reached from the Grebe Trail by the footbridge over Hollow Brook. It is not a surfaced path. This trail runs along the east shore, visits an open bird hide and returns to the footbridge, making a 1-mile (1.5 km) circuit. Bristol Water impose conditions on visitors, particularly related to the areas where dogs are allowed. The gallery in The Willow Tearooms. ...

Access and transportation

Access to the waterside is restricted at several points to reduce the disruption to wildlife. Paths around the lake are generally flat and, where paths are surfaced, wheelchair access is possible.

Visitors are officially invited to use public transport, but overwhelmingly arrive by private car, encouraged by the provision of parking spaces. The "Chew Valley Explorer" bus route 672/674^[4] provides access.

In 2002 a 1.9-mile (3 km) safe cycle route, the Chew Lake West Green Route, was opened around the western part of the lake. It forms part of the Padstow to Bristol West Country Way, National Cycle Network Route 3. It has all-weather surfacing, providing a smooth off-road facility for ramblers, mobility-challenged visitors and cyclists of all abilities. It was funded by Bath and North East Somerset Council with the support of Sustrans and the Chew Valley Recreational Trail Association. Minor roads around the lake are also frequently used by cyclists. , For the Sydney suburb, see Padstow, New South Wales. ... This article is about the English city. ... The first section of the NCN to be built was the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, opened in 1984. ... Bath and North East Somerset (commonly referred to as BANES or B&NES) is a unitary authority that was created on April 1, 1996 following the abolition of the County of Avon. ... Sustrans is a British engineering charity which promotes sustainable transport. ... Chew Valley Recreational Trail Association worked with Bath and North East Somerset Council for a cycle and pedestrian route East of Chew Valley Lake part of National Cycle Route 3. ...

Bristol International Airport is approximately 10 miles (15 km) away, and the nearest major road is the A368, which runs along the southern edge of the lake and provides access from Bath and Weston super Mare. The A37 and A38 are slightly further away, providing access from Bristol. Car parking is available at the visitor centre and Woodford Lodge, for which a charge is made, and a small amount of parking is available at various points around the lake; some of these are restricted to those with fishing permits. Bristol International Airport (IATA: BRS, ICAO: EGGD) is the commercial airport serving the city of Bristol in England, and the surrounding area. ... The A 368 runs from Marksbury (near Bath) to Banwell (near Weston-super-Mare) along the northern edge of the Mendip Hills and past the reservoir at Chew Valley Lake. ... The A37 is a major road in southern England. ... A38 passing under M50 in Worcestershire The A38 is a major trunk road in England. ... This article is about the English city. ...

History

Plaque unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II in 1956

The area the lake covers was once rich farmland. Several farms and houses had to be removed before the land was flooded, and old roads, hedgerows and tree stumps can reappear when dry summers cause the level of the lake to drop. Prior to the flooding of the reservoir, archaeological excavations were carried out by Philip Rahtz and Ernest Greenfield employed by the Ministry of Works, from 1953 to 1955. The excavations found evidence of people belonging to the consecutive periods known as Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic (Old, Middle and New Stone Age), Bronze Age and Iron Age, including implements such as stone knives, flint blades and the head of a mace, along with buildings and graves.^[5] The artefacts from this period are held at Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery.^[6] Further evidence of Neolithic and Bronze Age occupation is provided by the archaeological survey of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.^[7] Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (897x1165, 405 KB) Summary Taken by Rod Ward 31st Jan 2006. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (897x1165, 405 KB) Summary Taken by Rod Ward 31st Jan 2006. ... The Ashokan Reservoir, located in Ulster County, New York, USA. It is one of 19 that supplies New York City with drinking water. ... For the magazine about archaeology, see Archaeology (magazine). ... The term archaeological excavation has a double meaning. ... Philip Rahtz was born in Bristol in 1921 and after leaving Bristol Grammar School served with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. ... Ernest Greenfield was a British archaeologist. ... The Ministry of Works was a department of the UK Government formed in 1943 to organise the requisitioning of property for wartime use. ... The Upper Paleolithic or Palaeolithic is the third and last subdivision of the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age as it is understood in Europe, Africa and Asia. ... The Mesolithic (Greek mesos=middle and lithos=stone or the Middle Stone Age[1]) was a period in the development of human technology between the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods of the Stone Age. ... An array of Neolithic artifacts, including bracelets, axe heads, chisels, and polishing tools. ... Stone Age fishing hook. ... The Bronze Age is a period in a civilizations development when the most advanced metalworking has developed the techniques of smelting copper from natural outcroppings and alloys it to cast bronze. ... Iron Age Axe found on Gotland This article is about the archaeological period known as the Iron Age, for the mythological Iron Age see Iron Age (mythology). ... This article is about the sedimentary rock. ... A development of the club, a mace consists of a strong, heavy wooden, metal-reinforced, or metal shaft, with a head made of stone, copper, bronze, iron or steel. ... In archaeology, an artifact or artefact is any object made or modified by a human culture, and often one later recovered by some archaeological endeavor. ... The museum building. ...

Excavations have also uncovered Roman remains, indicating agricultural and industrial activity from the second half of the first century to third century AD. These finds included a moderately large villa, at Chew Park^[8] where wooden writing tablets (the first in the UK) with ink writing were found. The tablets were sent to the British Museum, but other Roman material is on display at the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery with the lake's other historical artefacts.^[6] The Roman Empire contained many kinds of villas. ... An ink is a liquid containing various pigments and/or dyes used for coloring a surface to render an image or text. ... The British Museum in London, England is one of the worlds greatest museums of human history and culture. ...

Further excavations around the village of Moreton, which has now been totally submerged, found evidence of a thriving community in medieval times and possibly the remains of the Nunnery of Santa Cruz.^[9] During the Middle Ages farming was the most important activity supported in the area covered by the lake, supported by four flour mills powered by the River Chew. Stratford Mill was demolished and re-erected in the grounds of Blaise Castle Museum. The largest settlement was Moreton, which is listed in the Domesday Book and survived until the flooding of the lake, when the remains of the Moreton Cross were moved to Chew Stoke Parish Church. There is also evidence of lime kilns, which were used in the production of mortar for the construction of local churches. Farming, both arable and dairy, continued until the flooding of the lake, with most households also keeping pigs. There were also a variety of orchards for fruit production, including apples, pears and plums.^[6] The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times. ... This article is about an abbey as a religious building. ... Santa Cruz, Spanish and Portuguese for Holy Cross, is the name of several cities, regions, and other geographical features around the world: Argentina Puerto Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz province Santa Cruz Province, Argentina Bolivia Santa Cruz de la Sierra Santa Cruz Department Brazil Santa Cruz, Espírito Santo Santa Cruz... The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... The flour mill or grist mill is a kind of mill which is fed grain and makes flour. ... The mansion. ... A line drawing entitled Domesday Book from Andrew Williamss Historic Byways and Highways of Old England. ... Bridge at Chew Stoke Chew Stoke is a small village approximately 8 miles south of Bristol. ... A 19th century limekiln A preserved lime kiln in London A lime kiln is a kiln used to produce quicklime by the calcination of limestone (calcium carbonate). ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Dairy farming is a class of agricultural, or more properly, an animal husbandry enterprise, raising female cattle, goats, or other lactating animals for long-term production of milk, which may be either processed on-site or transported to a dairy for processing and eventual retail sale. ... For other uses, see Pig (disambiguation). ... A community apple orchard originally planted for productive use during the 1920s, in Westcliff on Sea (Essex, England) An orchard is an intentional planting of trees or shrubs maintained for food production. ... Binomial name Borkh. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Species See text. ...

The reservoir

Chew Valley Lake dam

Pumping Station

Plans for the building of the reservoir were under discussion prior to the Second World War, and an Act of Parliament submitted by the Bristol Waterworks Company was passed in 1939. Following this several farms were bought by the company and farmed by the previous owners as tenancies. Farms and buildings still remaining in private hands were acquired by compulsory purchase. The sanction for construction was given in 1949 and the contract awarded to A.E. Farr & Co., who employed approximately 300 people on the site. The main dam was initially stabilised by injecting concrete into the cracks in the bedrock. The core of the dam was made of puddled clay mixed with sand. This was the first time the gain in strength brought about by the use of sand drains had been quantified.^[10] The lake was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Prince Philip, with the unveiling of a commemoration stone and plaque, which can be seen from the dam, on 17 April 1956, although it was not full until 25 February 1958.^[6] Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 147 pixelsFull resolution (2291 × 422 pixel, file size: 329 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) The Dam at the northern end of Chew Valley Lake. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 147 pixelsFull resolution (2291 × 422 pixel, file size: 329 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) The Dam at the northern end of Chew Valley Lake. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 413 pixelsFull resolution (2139 × 1104 pixel, file size: 971 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) The pumping station at Chew Valley Lake. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 413 pixelsFull resolution (2139 × 1104 pixel, file size: 971 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) The pumping station at Chew Valley Lake. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... An Act of Parliament or Act is law enacted by the parliament (see legislation). ... In law, eminent domain is the power of the state to appropriate private property for its own use without the owners consent. ... This article is about structures for water impoundment. ... This article is about the construction material. ... Bedrock is the native consolidated rock underlying the Earths surface. ... In building and maintaining canals or reservoirs, puddling is lining the channel with waterproof clay. ... For other uses, see Clay (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Sand (disambiguation). ... Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor; born 21 April 1926) is Queen of sixteen sovereign states, holding each crown and title equally. ... “Prince Philip” redirects here. ... is the 107th day of the year (108th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 56th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1958 (MCMLVIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

During the storm of 10 July 1968, the lake gained an extra 471 million imperial gallons (2,140,000 m³) and rose 19 inches (480 mm) in under 12 hours. At one point worried Bristol police issued a warning that the dam might not hold, prompting localised evacuation of populated valley areas downstream including Pensford and Keynsham.^[11] is the 191st day of the year (192nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Bristol City Constabulary, also called Bristol City Police, was a police force responsible for policing the city of Bristol in south-west England until 1974, when it was amalgamated under the Local Government Act 1972 with Somerset and Bath Constabulary and parts of the Gloucestershire Constabulary to form the Avon... Pensford (Grid reference ST619637) is a village in the civil parish of Publow and Pensford in Bath and North East Somerset, England. ... Keynsham (pronounced CANE-shm), is a town between Bristol and Bath in south west England. ...

Ecology

View of Chew Valley Lake showing Herriot's Bridge

The lake is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (Site Ref: 1001346)^[12] and a Special Protection Area (SPA) (Site Code: UK9010041) largely because of the variety of species and habitats. Providing further protection, much of the area around the lake also falls within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Image File history File links Herriotts06-04. ... Image File history File links Herriotts06-04. ... A Site of Special Scientific Interest or SSSI is a conservation designation denoting a protected area in the United Kingdom. ... A Special Protection Area or SPA is a designation under the European Commission Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC). ... The Mendip Hills (commonly called The Mendips) are a range of limestone hills (karst) situated to the south of Bristol and Bath in north Somerset, England. ... An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an area of countryside with significant landscape value in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, that has been specially designated by the Countryside Agency on behalf of the United Kingdom government; the Countryside Council for Wales on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government...

The lake appears to have a higher sedimentation rate than would be expected in other similar reservoirs, being in the region of 100–150 t.km^-2.yr^-1.^[13] This article or section cites very few or no references or sources. ...

Geology

The main geological outcrops around the lake are mudstone, largely consisting of red siltstone resulting in the underlying characteristic of the gently rolling valley landscape. There are also bands of sandstone of the Triassic period that contribute to the undulating character of the area. There are also more recent alluvial deposits beside the course of the River Chew.^[14] Mudstone is a fine-grained sedimentary rock whose original constituents were clays or muds. ... Siltstone Siltstone is a geological term for a sedimentary rock whose composition is intermediate in grain size between the coarser sandstone and the finer mudstone. ... Red sandstone interior of Lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona, worn smooth due to erosion by flash flooding over millions of years Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-size mineral or rock grains. ... The Triassic is a geologic period that extends from about 251 ± 0. ... Alluvium is soil land deposited by a river or other running water. ...

Birds

Over 260 species of birds have been recorded at Chew, the third most important site in Britain for wintering wildfowl. From late July to February, up to 4000 ducks (Anatidae) of twelve different species may be present, including internationally important numbers of shoveler (Anas clypeata) and gadwall (Anas strepera). Some 400 great crested grebes (Podiceps cristatus) gather on the lake in autumn.^[15] A wide range of data on bird species and their numbers on the lake, dating back to the first "ringing" in 1964, is available from the Chew Valley Ringing Station.^[16] Subfamilies Dendrocygninae Oxyurinae Anatinae Aythyinae Merginae Duck is the common name for a number of species in the Anatidae family of birds. ... Binomial name Anas clypeata Linnaeus, 1758 The Shoveler or Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata ) is a common and widespread duck which breeds in the northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of North America. ... Binomial name Anas strepera Linnaeus, 1758 Subspecies (Common Gadwall) (Washington Island Gadwall) - extinct The Gadwall (Anas strepera) is a common and widespread duck which breeds in the northern areas of Europe and Asia and central North America. ... Binomial name Linnaeus, 1758 The Great Crested Grebe, Podiceps cristatus is a member of the grebe family of water birds. ... Bird ringing (also known as bird banding) is an aid to studying wild birds, by attaching a small individually numbered metal or plastic ring to their legs or wings, so that various aspects of the birds life can be studied by the ability to re-find the same individual...

Numerous other birds can be seen, especially during the spring and autumn migrations. Sand martins (Riparia riparia) arrive early and can usually be seen hawking over the water for insects in the second or third week of March. Mixed flocks of tits (Paridae), swallows (Hirundinidae), terns (Sternidae) and little gulls (Larus minutus) can regularly be seen. A variety of waders, such as lapwings (Vanellus vanellus), dunlin (Calidris alpina) and common snipe (Gallinago gallinago), are attracted to the muddy shores as the water level drops in autumn. By midwinter up to 40,000 gulls, mostly black-headed (Larus ridibundus) and common (L. canus), may be roosting. Good numbers of reed (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) and sedge warblers (A. schoenobaenus) nest in the fringing reeds, along with grebes (Podicipedidae) and coots (Fulica atra).^[15] Flock of Barnacle Geese during autumn migration Bird migration refers to the regular seasonal journeys of varying distances undertaken by many species of birds. ... Binomial name Riparia riparia (Linnaeus, 1758) The Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) is a migratory passerine bird in the swallow family. ... Genera See text. ... Genera Many, see text. ... Genera Sterna (Gelochelidon) (Hydroprogne) (Thalasseus) Chlidonias Phaetusa Anous Procelsterna Gygis Larosterna Terns are seabirds in the family Sternidae, previously considered a subfamily Sterninae of the gull family Laridae. ... Binomial name Larus minutus Pallas, 1776 The Little Gull Larus minutus, is a small gull which breeds in northern Europe and Asia. ... Binomial name Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus, 1758) The Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), also known as the Peewit or just Lapwing, is a bird in the plover family. ... Binomial name Calidris alpina (Linnaeus, 1758) The Dunlin, Calidris alpina, is a small wader. ... Binomial name Gallinago gallinago Linnaeus, 1758 Subspecies The Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) is a small, stocky shorebird. ... “Seagull” redirects here. ... Binomial name Larus ridibundus Linnaeus, 1766 The Black-headed Gull, (Larus ridibundus), is a small gull which breeds in much of Europe and Asia, and also in coastal eastern Canada. ... Binomial name Larus canus Linnaeus, 1758 The Common Gull, Larus canus is a medium-sized gull which breeds in the northwest of North America (where it is called Mew Gull), Europe and Asia. ... Binomial name Acrocephalus scirpaceus (Hermann, 1804) The Eurasian Reed Warbler, or just Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus, is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. ... Binomial name Acrocephalus schoenobaenus (Linnaeus,, 1758) The Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. ... Genera Podiceps Tachybaptus Podilymbus Aechmophorus Poliocephalus Rollandia Grebes are members of the Podicipediformes, a widely distributed order of freshwater diving birds, some of which visit the sea when migrating and in winter. ... Binomial name Fulica atra Linnaeus, 1758 Synonyms Fulica prior The Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra), or just Coot, is a member of the rail and crake bird family, the Rallidae. ...

Much of the management work carried out in the nature reserve is aimed at encouraging ducks to breed, and small numbers of tufted duck (Aythya fuligula), pochard (Aythya ferina), shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) and gadwall raise broods most years. Recent breeding successes also include water rail (Rallus aquaticus) and Cetti's warbler (Cettia cetti).^[15] Binomial name Aythya fuligula (Linnaeus, 1758) The Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) is a medium-sized diving duck with a population close to one million birds. ... Binomial name Aythya ferina (Linnaeus, 1758) The Pochard (Aythya ferina) is a medium-sized diving duck. ... Binomial name Tadorna tadorna (Linnaeus, 1758) The Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) is a shelduck, a group of large goose-like birds which are part of the bird family Anatidae, which also includes the swans, geese and ducks. ... Binomial name Anas strepera Linnaeus, 1758 Subspecies (Common Gadwall) (Washington Island Gadwall) - extinct The Gadwall (Anas strepera) is a common and widespread duck which breeds in the northern areas of Europe and Asia and central North America. ... Binomial name Rallus aquaticus Linnaeus, 1758 The Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) is a small wetland bird of the rail family. ... Binomial name Cettia cetti Temminck,, 1820 The Cettis Warbler (Cettia cetti) is an Old World warbler which breeds in southern Europe, and east southern temperate Asia as far as Afghanistan. ...

A new wetland reserve has been created at Herons Green on the opposite side of the causeway to the lake. A large shallow pool fringed with sedges (Cyperaceae), rushes (Juncaceae) and reedgrasses (Calamagrostis) and surrounded by lightly grazed, rough grassland may also prove attractive to snipe and Lapwings. Genera See text The family Cyperaceae, or the Sedge family, is a taxon of monocot flowering plants that superficially resemble grasses or rushes. ... Genera Andesia Distichia Juncus - Rush Luzula - Woodrush Marsippospermum Oxychloë Prionium Rostkovia The Juncaceae, or the Rush Family, is a rather small monocot flowering plant family. ... Genera See text Calamagrostis, or Small-reed or (Am. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Fish

In late summer large shoals of roach (Rutilus rutilus) and perch (Osteichthyes) fry can congregate around the margins and weed beds, which are predated by the brown trout (Salmo trutta morpha fario) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).^[17] Roach can refer to: Cockroach, an insect. ... Species P. flavescens (Yellow perch) P. fluviatilis (European perch) P. schrenkii (Balkhash perch) For other meanings of the word perch, including fish not in the Perca genus, see Perch (disambiguation). ... Binomial name Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758 Morphs Salmo trutta morpha trutta Salmo trutta morpha fario Salmo trutta morpha lacustris The brown trout (Salmo trutta morpha fario and morpha lacustris) and the sea trout ( morpha trutta) are fish of the same species distinguished chiefly by the fact that the brown trout... It has been suggested that Steelhead be merged into this article or section. ...

Insects

Aquatic midges (Chironomidae) provide the highest proportion of the fly life of the Lake. The trout (Salmonidae) will feed at the surface on these and water boatmen (Corixidae), and below the surface on the caddisfly (Trichoptera) larvae and pupae; they will also take the adult Caddisflies when they emerge. Many other aquatic fauna including daphnia and snails are also found in the lake.^[18] Near Herriot's Pool large populations of dragonflies including ruddy darters (Sympetrum sanguineum) and migrant hawker (Aeshna mixta) hunt over the water. Two scarce species of wainscot moth make their home in the reed beds.^[19] Chironomidae are a family of Nematoceran Diptera closely related to the Ceratopogonidae, Simuliidae, and Thaumaleidae. ... Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss Biwa trout (or Biwa salmon), Oncorhynchus masou rhodurus Trout is the common name given to a number of species of freshwater fish belonging to the salmon family, Salmonidae. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Trichoptera, or caddis fly as they are more commonly known, can be divided into two groups, those which live in standing water (such as pond and lakes) and those which live in flowing water (rivers and streams). ... A larval insect A larva (Latin; plural larvae) is a juvenile form of animal with indirect development, undergoing metamorphosis (for example, insects or amphibians). ... Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) pupa Chrysalis redirects here: for other meanings see Chrysalis (disambiguation). ... Species Subgenus Daphnia Subgenus Hyalodaphnia D. galeata Subgenus Ctenodaphnia Daphnia are small, mostly planktonic, crustaceans, between 0. ... This article is about the animal. ... Families Aeshnidae Austropetaliidae Cordulegastridae Corduliidae Gomphidae Libellulidae Neopetaliidae Petaluridae The dragonfly is an insect belonging to the Order Odonata, Suborder Anisoptera and characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body. ... Binomial name Sympetrum sanguineum (Müller, 1764) The Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) is a European species of dragonfly of the family Libellulidae. ... Binomial name Aeshna mixta (Latreille, 1805) The Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) is with its length of 63 mm one of the smaller species of hawker dragonflies. ... A moth is an insect closely related to the butterfly. ...

Vegetation

Chew Valley Lake from Burledge Hill, showing Denny Island

The lake is surrounded with some fringing reedbeds, carr woodland and grassland, which are managed by Bristol Water. The water conditions are eutrophic with some run off from local fields and streams. Open-water plant communities are rather sparse, largely comprising fennel pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus), lesser pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus), opposite-leaved pondweed (Groenlandia densa) and water-crowfoot (Ranunculus spp.). On neutral soils around the reservoir, pepper-saxifrage (Silaum silaus), burnet-saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifraga) and devil's-bit scabious (Succisa pratensis) occur, and on calcareous soils fairy flax (Linum catharticum), dwarf thistle (Cirsium acaule) and salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor subspecies minor) are found.^[18] Image File history File links Pic_cvl_from_burledge. ... Image File history File links Pic_cvl_from_burledge. ... A reedbed in summer Reedbeds are basically ’temporary’ habitats. ... This article is about the wetland. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Bristol Water supplies 300 million litres of drinking water to over 1 million customers in a 1000 square mile area centered on Bristol. ... Eutrophication is apparent northern part of the Caspian Sea as imaged from orbit. ... Species Potamogeton acutifolius Potamogeton alpinus Potamogeton angustifolius Potamogeton berchtoldii Potamogeton compressus Potamogeton crispus Potamogeton epihydrus Potamogeton filiformis Potamogeton freisii Potamogeton gramineus Potamogeton lucens Potamogeton natans Potamogeton obtusifolius Potamogeton pectinatus Potamogeton perfoliatus Potamogeton polygonifolius Potamogeton praelongus Potamogeton pusilus Potamogeton trichoides Potamogeton, commonly pondweed, is a genus of aquatic, mostly freshwater, plants... Species Potamogeton acutifolius Potamogeton alpinus Potamogeton angustifolius Potamogeton berchtoldii Potamogeton compressus Potamogeton crispus Potamogeton epihydrus Potamogeton filiformis Potamogeton freisii Potamogeton gramineus Potamogeton lucens Potamogeton natans Potamogeton obtusifolius Potamogeton pectinatus Potamogeton perfoliatus Potamogeton polygonifolius Potamogeton praelongus Potamogeton pusilus Potamogeton trichoides Potamogeton, commonly pondweed, is a genus of aquatic, mostly freshwater, plants... Species Potamogeton acutifolius Potamogeton alpinus Potamogeton angustifolius Potamogeton crispus Potamogeton natans and others Potamogeton, commonly pondweed, is a genus of aquatic plants of the family Potamogetonaceae which includes several other genera. ... “Buttercup” redirects here. ... Species many, see text Saxifraga is a plant genus with about 440 known species of perennials, making it the largest genus of the family Saxifragaceae. ... Species many, see text Saxifraga is a plant genus with about 440 known species of perennials, making it the largest genus of the family Saxifragaceae. ... Species See text. ... For other uses, see Flax (disambiguation). ... Species See text. ... Binomial name Sanguisorba minor Scop. ...

The small and medium-sized fields around the lake are generally bounded by hedges and occasionally by tree belts and woodland, some of which date back to the most evident period of enclosure of earlier open fields which took place in the late medieval period. Hedgerows support the nationally rare bithynian vetch (Vicia bithynica). Mature oak (Quercus) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) trees are characteristic of the area with occasional groups of scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Chestnuts (Castanea sativa). Many elm (Ulmus) trees have been lost in this area, and dead/dying elms are also evident in the surrounding landscape.^[14] Species About 140 species, including: Vicia bithynica (Bithynian Vetch) Vicia canescens Vicia cassubica (Danzig Vetch) Vicia cracca (Tufted Vetch) Vicia dumetorum Vicia faba (Broad Bean) Vicia hirsuta (Hairy Vetch) Vicia lathyroides (Spring Vetch) Vicia lutea (Yellow Vetch) Vicia narbonensis Vicia onobrychioides Vicia oroboides Vicia orobus (Upright Vetch) Vicia pannonica Vicia... Species See List of Quercus species The term oak can be used as part of the common name of any of several hundred species of trees and shrubs in the genus Quercus (from Latin oak tree), and some related genera, notably Cyclobalanopsis and Lithocarpus. ... Species See text European Ash in flower Narrow-leafed Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) shoot with leaves Closeup of European Ash seeds 19th century illustration of Manna Ash (Fraxinus ornus) An ash can be any of four different tree genera from four very distinct families (see end of page for disambiguation), but... Binomial name L. Image:Scotspine map. ... Species Castanea alnifolia - Bush Chinkapin* Castanea crenata - Japanese Chestnut Castanea dentata - American Chestnut Castanea henryi - Henrys Chestnut Castanea mollissima - Chinese Chestnut Castanea ozarkensis - Ozark Chinkapin Castanea pumila - Allegheny Chinkapin Castanea sativa - Sweet Chestnut Castanea seguinii - Seguins Chestnut * treated as a synonym of by many authors Chestnut (Castanea), including... Species See Elm species, varieties, cultivars and hybrids Elms are deciduous and semi-deciduous trees making up the genus Ulmus, family Ulmaceae, found throughout the Northern Hemisphere from Siberia to Indonesia, Mexico to Japan. ...

Leisure use

The lake is used for a wide variety of leisure pursuits.

Birdwatching

Birds on Chew Valley Lake taken from Herriot's Bridge

During 2005–2006 Bristol Water started restoring two artificial islands. These are intended to provide safe nesting and roosting sites for a range of wildfowl. Image File history File links Pic_herriots_pool. ... Image File history File links Pic_herriots_pool. ...

Permits to enter the reservoir enclosure and to use the access road, path and bird hides are available only to members of ornithological and naturalist societies recognised by Bristol Water. They can be obtained from Woodford Lodge and include conditions of use imposed by the owners.

Sailing

Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club has a large sailing area, approximately 1.9 miles (3 km) long, for dinghy sailing. 2 GP14s, a Topper and a Graduate Dinghy sailing is the activity of sailing small boats by using (1) the sails and (2) underwater foils (centreboard and rudder). ...

The lake is divided into two areas: a restricted summer area which is available during the fishing season (mid-March to mid-October), and the full area which can be used throughout the winter and on Sunday afternoons. The sailing area is marked out by lines of small white buoys. Racing marks are red buoys with flags, although large inflatable marks are used of open events.

The club can easily cater for fleets of over one hundred boats and it hosts many large national events. Normal club racing has fleet starts for the following dinghy classes: Flying Fifteen (keelboat), Laser (dinghy), Solo (dinghy) and Topper (dinghy) as well as a handicap fleet run under the Portsmouth yardstick scheme. The Flying Fifteen is a keelboat designed by Uffa Fox in 1947. ... Olympic Class sailor hiking out The Laser Standard Laser Standard - Side view Righting a capsized boat This article focuses on the Laser Standard dinghy. ... The National Solo class is a racing dinghy designed by Jack Holt in 1956. ... A Topper under unexacting conditions The Topper is an 11 sailing dinghy designed by Ian Proctor. ... The Portsmouth yardstick (PY) or Portsmouth handicap scheme is a system of handicapping used in yacht racing. ...

Five separate slipways enable easy launching. Off the water, the clubhouse facilities include large changing rooms, hot showers, hot food at the weekends, a bar and terrace overlooking the lake. The club also caters for disabled people with facilities on both floors and a lift.

The club is open for sailing to members on Wednesday and every weekend with racing held on Wednesday evenings and Sundays. Various Royal Yachting Association sailing courses are held at the club for members including race training, youth training, powerboat training, race officer training as well as more informal training run within each fleet. A selection of dinghies is also available for members to try.

The club is a private sailing club and so visitors should contact the Club prior to visiting.

Fishing

Day and afternoon bank fishing permits are available at Woodford Lodge. The restrictions imposed by Bristol Water mean that no fishing is allowed from the dams or stone embankments, the sailing club, in front of Stratford bird hide, in front of the picnic areas and in the nature reserve, and various other regulations are in force. There is a fleet of 32 motor boats for hire to fish.^[17] This article is about structures for water impoundment. ... Embankment can be: An artificial slope which can be made out of earth, stones or bricks, or a combination of these. ... Friends and family gather for a picnic in a public park in Columbus, Ohio, c. ... It has been suggested that Reserve design be merged into this article or section. ...

References

Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 3rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 3rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 301st day of the year (302nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 301st day of the year (302nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 123rd day of the year (124th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 3rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 3rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 3rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 3rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 3rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 7th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Bibliography

• Durham, I. & M. (1991). Chew Magna and the Chew Valley in old photographs. Redcliffe Press. ISBN 1-872971-61-X. 
• Janes, Rowland (ed) (1987). The Natural History of the Chew Valley. ISBN 0-9545125-2-9. 
• Rahtz, Phillip A. & Greenfield, Ernest (1978). Excavations at Chew Valley Lake, Somerset. Department of the Environment (successor to the Ministry of Works) The Stationery Office Books,. ISBN 0-11-670560-4. 

External links

• BBC: pictures and video of Chew Valley Lake
• Bristol Water's Information on Chew Valley Lake & Tea Shop
• BANES Information on the Chew Valley Explorer Bus Service
• Chew Valley web site
• CVL birding - Regularly updated news and information on the latest bird sightings at Chew Valley Lake, with maps and photographs
• Map of Chew Valley Lake
• Map of the lake area c.1900
• River Chew Web Site
• Roger Jones Art Gallery at Chew Valley Lake
• Woodford Lodge
• Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club
• Information about fishing on Chew Valley Lake
• Panorama of the lake

A view of the Avon Gorge, designated as an SSSI for both its biological and its geological interest. ... Ashton Court is a mansion house and estate to the west of Bristol in England. ... The Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge, looking south from the Downs The Avon Gorge (Grid reference ST560743) is a 2. ... Banwell Caves (Grid reference ST383588) are a 1. ... Biddle Street, Yatton (Grid reference ST423648) is a 44. ... Bishops Hill Wood (Grid reference ST733873) is a 30. ... Blagdon Lake was created by the Bristol Waterworks Company (as it was known then), when it dammed the river Yeo, starting construction in 1891 and completing this in 1899. ... Bodkin Hazel Wood (Grid reference ST780850) is a 10. ... Brockley Hall Stables (Grid reference ST471669) is a 0. ... Browns Folly (Grid reference ST793662) is a 39. ... Burledge Hill (Grid reference ST588587) is on the southern edge of the village of Bishop Sutton, Somerset. ... Burrington Combe is a gorge on the north side of the Mendip hills, in Somerset, England. ... Cleaves Wood (Grid reference ST758576) is a 40. ... Cleeve Wood, Hanham is a (Grid reference ST655703) is an 8. ... Location in Enland Combe Down and Bathampton Down Mines (Grid reference ST761625) is a 6. ... Compton Martin Ochre Mine (Grid reference ST543566) is a 0. ... Congrove Field and The Tumps is a (Grid reference ST713698) is an 12. ... Dolebury Warren (Grid reference ST455590) is a 90. ... Ellenborough Park (Grid reference ST319608) is a park situated in the centre of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, England. ... Folly Farm (Grid reference ST607604) is a 17th century farm with traditionally managed, unimproved, neutral grassland, flowery meadows and woodlands with splendid views run by Avon Wildlife Trust. ... Goblin Combe (Grid reference ST473652) is a 51. ... Gordano (or the Gordano Valley) is an area of North Somerset, in England. ... Harptree Combe (Grid reference ST561558) is a 13. ... Hawkesbury Meadow (Grid reference ST754874) is a 3. ... Hinton Charterhouse Field (Grid reference ST764574) is a 0. ... Horseshoe Bend, Shirehampton (Grid reference ST542767) is a 4. ... Iford Manor in Wiltshire sits on the steep slopes of the idyllic Frome river valley, which itself has been occupied since Roman times. ... Kings Wood and Urchin Wood SSSI (grid reference ST454645) is a 128. ... Long Dole Wood and Meadows SSSI (Grid reference ST610562) is a 9. ... Lower Woods (grid reference ST743876) is a 280. ... Max Bog (Grid reference ST406574) is a 10. ... Middle Hope (grid reference ST325662) is a 84. ... Midger (grid reference ST797895) is a 65. ... Monkswood Valley (Grid reference ST754710) is a 30. ... Plasters Green Meadows (Grid reference ST532611) is a 4. ... Purn Hill (Grid reference ST412630) is a 6. ... Puxton Moor (Grid reference ST412630) is a 31. ... The location of the Bristol Channel The Severn Bridge and Bristol Channel, looking northwestward from England towards Wales The Bristol Channel coast at Ilfracombe, North Devon, looking west towards Lee Bay The Bristol Channel is a major inlet in the island of Great Britain, separating South Wales from South West... Shiplate Slait (Grid reference ST365567) is a 33. ... St. ... Steep Holm (grid reference ST228607) is a 48. ... Tickenham, Nailsea and Kenn Moors SSSI (Grid reference ST440700) is a 129. ... Uphill Cliff (Grid reference ST318583) is a 19. ... Upton Coombe (Grid reference ST789877) is a 7. ... Walton Common (Grid reference ST428738) is a 25. ... Weston Big Wood (Grid reference ST455750) is a 37. ... Yanal Bog (Grid reference ST424607) is a 1. ... This is a list of the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in Gloucestershire. ... A view of the Cheddar Gorge, designated as an SSSI for both its biological and its geological interest. ... Silbury Hill, one of the many SSSIs in Wiltshire designated for their grassland plant communities. ...