CITO Chard Reservoir 28th
May 2024
10:00 - 13:00
Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve is based upon a disused reservoir built in 1842.
In the late 1800s and mid 1930s, Chard Reservoir was recognised as a shooting estate for wildfowl, and so by wandering around the site you can see remnants of this period through the planting of exotic plant species such as Rhododendron, bay laurel and bamboo as a means of vegetation cover for the breeding of the birds. Pine and other conifer tree species were popular amongst the Victorian community, hence why there are still many of those species present today at the reservoir.
Similarly, not unlike the current pandemic we have just experienced, local communities at that time were encouraged not to travel or use the railways to allow mobilisation of troops around the country, and so ‘staycations’ were encouraged and Chard Reservoir was advertised as ‘Chard Lido’. A picture of this advertisement can be seen on the information panel on the cycle path between Chard and Ilminster.
Since 1992, under council ownership, Chard Reservoir has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve. This recognises that there have been wildlife species identified that are important to the local environment (included insects, bats, birds and plants) and so today nature is at the forefront of our minds when it comes to managing the site. We have an array of habitats, including reed beds, English woodland, wildflower meadows, hedgerows and the reservoir itself; all of which are managed to optimise the opportunities for various wildlife to thrive on the reserve.
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Please enjoy your visit at the reservoir, and whilst
collecting trash, take a moment to listen to the bird song and take in the beauty of your surroundings
This CITO is organised in
conjunction with Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve.