Chew Valley Lake
Governing body	Bristol Water
SSSI Ref	1001346
SPA Code	UK9010041

Chew Valley Lake
Location	Somerset
Coordinates	51°20′4.92″N, 2°37′4.92″W
Lake type	reservoir
Primary inflows	River Chew
Primary outflows	River Chew
Basin countries	United Kingdom
Surface area	1,200 acres (4. Bristol Water supplies 300 million litres of drinking water to over 1 million customers in a area centred on Bristol, England. Somerset ( or) is a county in south west England The County town is Taunton, which is in the south of the county A lake (from Latin lacus) is a Terrain feature (or Physical feature) a body of Liquid on the surface of a world that is localized to the A reservoir is most broadly a place or hollow vessel where Fluid is kept in Reserve, for later use In Hydrology, the inflow of a Body of water is the source of the Water in the body of water The River Chew is a small River in England. It merges with the River Avon after 17 miles forming the Chew Valley. In Hydrology, the discharge or outflow of a River is the volume of Water transported by it in a certain amount of time The River Chew is a small River in England. It merges with the River Avon after 17 miles forming the Chew Valley. A drainage basin is an extent of Land where Water from Rain or Snow melt drains downhill into a body of water such as a River, 9 km²)
Water volume	20,000,000 m³
Islands	Denny Island

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. The British national grid reference system is a system of geographic grid references commonly used in Great Britain, different from using Latitude and Longitude A reservoir is most broadly a place or hollow vessel where Fluid is kept in Reserve, for later use The Chew Valley is an area in North Somerset, England named after the River Chew, which rises at Chewton Mendip, and joins the River Avon Somerset ( or) is a county in south west England The County town is Taunton, which is in the south of the county England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland A lake (from Latin lacus) is a Terrain feature (or Physical feature) a body of Liquid on the surface of a world that is localized to the The acre is a unit of Area in a number of different systems including the imperial and U 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. For the ship see RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Context States headed by Elizabeth II Water of sufficient quality to serve as drinking water is termed potable water whether it is used for drinking or not Bristol ( ˈbrɪstəl is a city, Unitary authority and ceremonial county in South West England, west of London The Mendip Hills (commonly called The Mendips) are a range of Limestone hills situated to the south of Bristol and Bath in Somerset Some of the water from the lake is used to maintain the flow in the River Chew. The River Chew is a small River in England. It merges with the River Avon after 17 miles forming the Chew Valley.

Before the lake was created, archaeological investigations were carried out that showed evidence of occupation since Neolithic times and included Roman artefacts. The Neolithic (from Greek νεολιθικός — neolithikos from νέος neos, "new" + λίθος lithos Ancient Rome was a Civilization that grew out of a small agricultural community founded on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 10th century BC 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). 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 Union directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds It is a national centre for birdwatching, with over 260 species recorded, including some unusual sightings. Birdwatching or birding is the observation and study of Birds with the naked eye or through a visual enhancement device like Binoculars. The lake has indigenous and migrant water birds throughout the year, and two nature trails have been created. The flora and fauna provide a variety of habitats and include some less common plants and insects. In Botany, flora ( Plural: floras or florae has two meanings The first meaning flora of an area or of time period, refers to all Fauna is all of the Animal life of any particular region or time A habitat (which is Latin for "it inhabits" is an Ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular Species.

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 area centred on Bristol, England. Dinghy sailing is the activity of Sailing small boats by using (1 the Sails and (2 underwater foils ( Daggerboard or Centreboard For the computer security term see Phishing. Fishing is the activity of catching Fish. Trout is the common name given to a number of Species of Freshwater Fish belonging to the Salmonidae family

Contents 1 Location 2 Access and transportation 3 History 3.1 The reservoir 4 Ecology 4.1 Geology 4.2 Birds 4.3 Fish 4.4 Insects 4.5 Vegetation 5 Leisure use 5.1 Birdwatching 5.2 Sailing 5.3 Fishing 6 References 7 Bibliography 8 External links

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. The Chew Valley is an area in North Somerset, England named after the River Chew, which rises at Chewton Mendip, and joins the River Avon The Mendip Hills (commonly called The Mendips) are a range of Limestone hills situated to the south of Bristol and Bath in Somerset Chew Stoke is a small village and Civil parish in the Chew Valley, in Somerset, England about south of Bristol. Chew Magna ( is a village within the Chew Valley in North East Somerset, England Bishop Sutton ( is a small village within the Chew Valley in Somerset. 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 River Chew is a small River in England. It merges with the River Avon after 17 miles forming the Chew Valley. The River Avon is a River in the south west of England. Because of a number of other River Avons in England this river is often also known as the Lower 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.

The lake is owned and operated by Bristol Water, which created it in 1956 when the demand became too large for nearby Blagdon Lake. Blagdon Lake lies in the Chew Valley at the northern edge of the Mendip Hills, approximately 10 mi (16 km south of Bristol. 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. The Avon Wildlife Trust aims to protect and promote wildlife in the area of the former County of Avon &mdash now Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, 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. A tea house or tearoom is a venue centered on drinking Tea. Their function varies widely depending on the culture and some cultures have a variety of distinct 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.

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. Padstow (Lannwedhenek is a small town its great Civil parish and cargo port on the north coast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom Bristol ( ˈbrɪstəl is a city, Unitary authority and ceremonial county in South West England, west of London The National Cycle Network is a network of cycle routes in the United Kingdom. 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. Bath and North East Somerset (commonly referred to as BANES or B&NES) is a Unitary authority that was created on 1 April 1996 Sustrans is a British 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 Minor roads around the lake are also frequently used by cyclists.

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. Bristol International Airport is the commercial Airport serving the city of Bristol, England and the surrounding area The A368 is a part Primary status A road in North Somerset, England. The A37 and A38 are slightly further away, providing access from Bristol. The A37 is a major Road in southern England. It runs north from the A35 at Dorchester in Dorset into Somerset through The A38 is a major Trunk road in England. Though formally known as the Exeter - Leeds Trunk Road it actually runs from Bodmin in Cornwall Bristol ( ˈbrɪstəl is a city, Unitary authority and ceremonial county in South West England, west of London 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.

History

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. A reservoir is most broadly a place or hollow vessel where Fluid is kept in Reserve, for later use Archaeology, archeology, or archæology (from Greek grc ἀρχαιολογία archaiologia – grc ἀρχαῖος archaīos Philip Rahtz (born in Bristol in 1921 is a British archaeologist. Ernest Greenfield was a British archaeologist. He served with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. The Ministry of Works was a department of the UK Government formed in 1943 during World War II, to organise the requisitioning of property for wartime use 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. The Upper Paleolithic (or Upper Palaeolithic) is the third and last subdivision of the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age as it is understood in Europe Africa The Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age was a period in the development of human technology in between the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age and the Neolithic or New Stone Age The Neolithic (from Greek νεολιθικός — neolithikos from νέος neos, "new" + λίθος lithos The Stone Age is a broad prehistoric time period during which Humans widely used stone for toolmaking The term Bronze Age refers to a period in human cultural development when the most advanced Metalworking (at least in systematic and widespread use included techniques for This article is about the archaeological period known as the Iron Age for the mythological Iron Age see Ages of Man. Flint (or flintstone) is a hard sedimentary Cryptocrystalline form of the Mineral Quartz, categorized as a variety of Chert A mace is a simple Weapon that uses a heavy head on the end of a handle to deliver powerful blows ^[5] The artefacts from this period are held at Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery. In Archaeology, an artifact or artefact is any object made or modified by a human culture, and often one later recovered by some archaeological The Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery is a large Museum and Art gallery in Bristol, England. ^[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]

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. A Roman villa is a Villa that was built or lived in during the Roman republic and the Roman Empire. An ink is a Liquid containing various Pigments and/or Dyes used for coloring a surface to produce an Image, text, or 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. The British Museum is a Museum of human history and culture in London. ^[6]

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. An abbey (from Latin abbatia derived from Syriac abba "father" is a Christian Monastery or ^[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. A gristmill or grist mill is a building where Grain is ground into Flour, or the grinding mechanism itself Stratford Mill was demolished and re-erected in the grounds of Blaise Castle Museum. Blaise Castle is an 18th century mansion house and estate near Henbury in Bristol (formerly in Gloucestershire) England 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. The Domesday Book (ˈduːmzdeɪ bʊk also known as Domesday, or Book of Winchester) was the record of the great survey Chew Stoke is a small village and Civil parish in the Chew Valley, in Somerset, England about south of Bristol. There is also evidence of lime kilns, which were used in the production of mortar for the construction of local churches. A lime kiln is a Kiln used to produce quicklime by the Calcination of Limestone ( Calcium carbonate) Farming, both arable and dairy, continued until the flooding of the lake, with most households also keeping pigs. In Geography, arable land (from Latin arare, to Plough) is an agricultural term meaning land that can be used for Dairy farming is a class of agricultural, or an Animal husbandry enterprise for long-term production of Milk, which may be either processed on-site or Pigs, also called hogs or' swine', are Ungulates which have been domesticated as sources of food leather and similar products since ancient times There were also a variety of orchards for fruit production, including apples, pears and plums. An orchard is an intentional planting of Trees or Shrubs maintained for Food production. The apple is the pomaceous Fruit of the apple tree Species Malus domestica in the Rose family Rosaceae. A pear is a pomaceous Fruit produced by a tree of Genus Pyrus. A plum or gage is a stone fruit Tree in the genus Prunus, subgenus Prunus. ^[6] In recent years there have been sightings of a ghostly young girl who has been seen by several local people crossing the B3114 walking towards the lake. ^[10]

The reservoir

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. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including An Act of Parliament is a Law enacted as Primary legislation by a national or sub-national Parliament. 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. Eminent domain ( United States) compulsory purchase ( United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland) resumption/compulsory acquisition 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. A dam is a barrier that divides waters. Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water while other structures such as Floodgates, Levees Concrete is a construction material composed of Cement (commonly Portland cement) as well as other cementitious materials such as Fly ash and Slag Bedrock is the native consolidated rock underlying the surface of a terrestrial planet usually the Earth. The core of the dam was made of puddled clay mixed with sand. Puddle is a watertight (low Hydraulic conductivity) material based on clay used in building and maintaining Canals or Reservoirs Puddling is the Clay is a naturally occurring material composed primarily of fine-grained Minerals which show plasticity through a variable range of Water content, and Sand is a naturally occurring Granular material composed of finely divided rock and Mineral particles This was the first time the gain in strength brought about by the use of sand drains had been quantified. ^[11] 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. For the ship see RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Context States headed by Elizabeth II Events 69 - After the First Battle of Bedriacum, Vitellius becomes Roman Emperor. Year 1956 ( MCMLVI) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 138 - The Emperor Hadrian adopts Antoninus Pius, effectively making him his successor Year 1958 ( MCMLVIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. ^[6]

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. Events 48 BC - Battle of Dyrrhachium, Julius Caesar barely avoids a catastrophic defeat to Pompey in Macedonia. Year 1968 ( MCMLXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. 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. Bristol City Constabulary, also called Bristol City Police, was a police force responsible for policing the city of Bristol in south-west England until Pensford ( is a village in the Civil parish of Publow and Pensford in Bath and North East Somerset, England. Keynsham (ˈkeɪnʃm is a Town between Bristol and Bath in south-west England. ^[12]

Ecology

The lake is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (Site Ref: 1001346)^[13] and a Special Protection Area (SPA) (Site Code: UK9010041) largely because of the variety of species and habitats. 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 Union directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds Providing further protection, much of the area around the lake also falls within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Mendip Hills (commonly called The Mendips) are a range of Limestone hills situated to the south of Bristol and Bath in Somerset An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB is an area of countryside with significant landscape value in England, Wales or Northern Ireland

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. ^[14]

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. Mudstone (also called mudrock) is a fine grained Sedimentary rock whose original constituents were Clays or Muds Grain size is up Siltstone is a Sedimentary rock which has a composition intermediate in grain size between the coarser Sandstones and the finer Mudstones and There are also bands of sandstone of the Triassic period that contribute to the undulating character of the area. Sandstone is a Sedimentary rock composed mainly of Sand -size Mineral or rock grains. The Triassic is a geologic period and system that extends from about 251 to 199 Ma (million years ago There are also more recent alluvial deposits beside the course of the River Chew. Alluvium (from the Latin, alluvius, from alluere, "to wash against" is Soil or Sediments deposited by a river or other running ^[15]

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). For duck as a food see Duck (food; for other meanings see Duck (disambiguation. The shovelers, formerly known as shovellers, are four species of Dabbling ducks with long broad spatula-shaped beaks Red Shoveler, The Gadwall, Anas strepera is a common and widespread Duck of the family Anatidae. Some 400 great crested grebes (Podiceps cristatus) gather on the lake in autumn. The Great Crested Grebe, Podiceps cristatus is a member of the Grebe family of water birds ^[16] 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. 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 ^[17]

Numerous other birds can be seen, especially during the spring and autumn migrations. Bird migration refers to the regular seasonal journeys undertaken by many species of Birds Bird movements include those made in response to changes in food availability 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. The Sand Martin ( Riparia riparia) is a migratory Passerine Bird in the Swallow family Mixed flocks of tits (Paridae), swallows (Hirundinidae), terns (Sternidae) and little gulls (Larus minutus) can regularly be seen. The tits, chickadees, and titmice comprise Paridae, a large family of small Passerine Birds which occur in the Northern hemisphere The swallows and martins are a group of Passerine Birds in the family Hirundinidae which are characterised by their adaptation to aerial Terns are Seabirds in the family Sternidae, previously considered a subfamily (Sterninae of the gull family Laridae (van Tuinen et al The Little Gull ( Hydrocoloeus minutus) is a small Gull which breeds in northern Europe and Asia. 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. The Dunlin, Calidris alpina, is a small Wader, sometimes separated with the other " Stints quot in Erolia. The Common Snipe or Fantail Snipe ( Gallinago gallinago) is a small stocky shorebird. By midwinter up to 40,000 gulls, mostly black-headed (Larus ridibundus) and common (L. Gulls (often informally Seagulls) are birds in the family Laridae The Black-headed Gull ( Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a small Gull which breeds in much of Europe and Asia, and also in coastal eastern For the Butterfly, see Cepora nerissa. The Common Gull, Mew Gull or Sea Mew ( Larus canus canus), may be roosting. Good numbers of reed (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) and sedge warblers (A. The Acrocephalus warblers are small insectivorous Passerine Birds belonging to the genus Acrocephalus. The Sedge Warbler ( Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. schoenobaenus) nest in the fringing reeds, along with grebes (Podicipedidae) and coots (Fulica atra). Grebes are members of the Podicipediformes order, a widely distributed order of freshwater diving birds some of which visit the sea when migrating The Eurasian Coot, Fulica atra, also known as Coot, is a member of the rail and crake Bird family the Rallidae. ^[16]

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. The Tufted Duck, Aythya fuligula, is a medium-sized Diving duck with a population of close to one million birds The Common Shelduck ( Tadorna tadorna) is a widespread and common duck of the Genus Tadorna. The Gadwall, Anas strepera is a common and widespread Duck of the family Anatidae. Recent breeding successes also include water rail (Rallus aquaticus) and Cetti's warbler (Cettia cetti). The Water Rail or European Water Rail ( Rallus aquaticus) is a small Wetland Bird of the rail family. The Cetti's Warbler ( ( Cettia cetti) is an Old World warbler which breeds in southern Europe, and east southern temperate Asia as far as ^[16]

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. The family Cyperaceae, or the sedges, is a taxon of monocot Flowering plants that superficially resemble grasses or rushes The Juncaceae, or the Rush Family, is a rather small monocot Flowering plant family Calamagrostis, or Small-reed or ( Am. Reedgrass, is a genus in the Grass family Poaceae with about 230 species that occur mainly Grasslands (also called greenswards) are areas where the Vegetation is dominated by Grasses ( Poaceae) and other Herbaceous (non-woody

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). Perca is the genus of fish referred to as perch or sometimes yellow perch, a group of freshwater Fish belonging to the family Percidae The brown trout ( Salmo trutta morpha fario and S trutta morpha lacustris) and the sea trout ( S The rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a species of Salmonid native to tributaries of the Pacific Ocean in Asia and North America ^[18]

Insects

Aquatic midges (Chironomidae) provide the highest proportion of the fly life of the Lake. Chironomidae (informally known as chironomids or non-biting Midges) are a family of Nematoceran flies with a global distribution 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. Trout is the common name given to a number of Species of Freshwater Fish belonging to the Salmonidae family Corixidae is a family of aquatic Insects in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as water boatmen. Caddisflies, sedge-flies or rail flies (Order Trichoptera, from Greek trich, "hair" and ptera, "wings" A larva ( Latin; plural larvae) is a juvenile form of Animal with indirect development, undergoing Metamorphosis (for example A pupa ( Latin pupa for doll pl pupae or pupas) is the life stage of some Insects undergoing transformation Many other aquatic fauna including daphnia and snails are also found in the lake. Daphnia are small Planktonic Crustaceans between.2 and 5  mm in length The word snail is a Common name that can be used for almost all members of the Molluscan class Gastropoda which have coiled shells in the ^[19] Near Herriot's Pool large populations of dragonflies including ruddy darters (Sympetrum sanguineum) and migrant hawker (Aeshna mixta) hunt over the water. Anisoptera redirects here For the genus of trees see Anisoptera (tree. The Ruddy Darter ( Sympetrum sanguineum) is a European species of Dragonfly of the family Libellulidae. The Migrant Hawker ( Aeshna mixta) is with its length of 63 mm one of the smaller species of hawker dragonflies. Two scarce species of wainscot moth make their home in the reed beds. A moth is an Insect closely related to the Butterfly, both being of the order Lepidoptera. ^[20]

Vegetation

The lake is surrounded with some fringing reedbeds, carr woodland and grassland, which are managed by Bristol Water. Reed beds are a natural habitat found in Floodplains waterlogged depressions and estuaries. A fen is a type of Wetland fed by surface and/or groundwater Fens are characterized by their water chemistry which is neutral or Alkaline Fens are different Grasslands (also called greenswards) are areas where the Vegetation is dominated by Grasses ( Poaceae) and other Herbaceous (non-woody Bristol Water supplies 300 million litres of drinking water to over 1 million customers in a area centred on Bristol, England. The water conditions are eutrophic with some run off from local fields and streams. A eutrophic lake (Eu meaning good/well and trophic meaning food/nutrients is a lake with high Primary productivity, the result of high Nutrient content 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. Potamogeton, commonly called pondweed (note that not all pondweeds are Potamongetons is a Genus of aquatic, mostly freshwater Potamogeton, commonly called pondweed (note that not all pondweeds are Potamongetons is a Genus of aquatic, mostly freshwater Potamogeton, commonly called pondweed (note that not all pondweeds are Potamongetons is a Genus of aquatic, mostly freshwater ). 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. See HMS Saxifrage for ship names For the fictional character see Sax Russell. See HMS Saxifrage for ship names For the fictional character see Sax Russell. Scabiosa is a Genus in the Teasel Family Dipsacaceae of Flowering plants. Flax (also known as common flax or linseed) (binomial name Linum usitatissimum) is a member of the genus Linum Cirsium is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the Asteraceae, one of several genera known popularly as Thistles They are mostly native Salad Burnet ( Sanguisorba minor) is a plant in the family Rosaceae, native to western central and southern Europe, northwest Africa and ^[19]

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). Vicia ( Vetches) is a large genus of about 140 species of Flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, native to Europe, 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). The term oak can be used as part of the common name of any of about 400 species of Trees and Shrubs in the Genus Quercus (from Latin An ash can be any of four different tree genera from four very distinct families; most commonly in a combined form (e The Scots Pine ( Pinus sylvestris L family Pinaceae) is a species of Pine native to Europe and Asia, ranging from Chestnut ( Castanea) (including some chinkapin or Chinquapin) is a Genus of eight or nine Species of Deciduous Many elm (Ulmus) trees have been lost in this area, and dead/dying elms are also evident in the surrounding landscape. Elms are Deciduous and Semi-deciduous Trees comprising the genus Ulmus, family Ulmaceae, found ^[15]

Leisure use

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

Birdwatching

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.

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. Dinghy sailing is the activity of Sailing small boats by using (1 the Sails and (2 underwater foils ( Daggerboard or Centreboard

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. Introduction The Flying Fifteen is a Keelboat designed by Uffa Fox in 1947 The International Laser Class sailboat, also called Laser Standard and the Laser One is a popular One-design class of small sailing dinghy Background The Topper is a one-design boat with a large international following it is also an International class by the ISAF and is an approved youth class of the 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. A dam is a barrier that divides waters. Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water while other structures such as Floodgates, Levees LeveeEmbankmentDitch A dike (or dyke) levee, levée, embankment, floodbank or stopbank is a natural or artificial In contemporary usage picnic can be defined simply as a pleasure excursion at which a Meal is eaten outdoors ( Al fresco or En plein air nature reserve ( natural reserve, nature preserve, natural preserve) is a Protected area of importance for Wildlife, flora There is a fleet of 32 motor boats for hire to fish. ^[18]

References

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

---

© 2009 citizendia.org; parts available under the terms of GNU Free Documentation License, from http://en.wikipedia.org
Dapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic