Chard Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chard Reservoir |
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 Chard Reservoir
Location in Somerset
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| Location | Chard, Somerset, England |
| Coordinates | 50°53′04″N 2°56′34″W / 50.88444°N 2.94278°W |
| Primary inflows | River Isle |
| Primary outflows | river Isle |
| Catchment area | 7.65 km2 (2.95 sq mi) |
| Built | 1842 |
| Surface area | 36.97 hectares (91.4 acres) |
| Water volume | 795,000 m3 (645 acre⋅ft) |
Chard Reservoir is a large lake located northeast of Chard in Somerset, England. It covers about 37 hectares, which is roughly the size of 91 football fields! This beautiful area is managed by the South Somerset District Council and has even won a special award called the Green Flag Award. This award means it's a really well-managed and welcoming green space for everyone to enjoy.
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What is Chard Reservoir?
Chard Reservoir is a man-made lake, also known as a reservoir. It was built a long time ago, in 1842, on the river Isle. Its main purpose back then was to supply water for the Chard Canal. Canals are like man-made rivers that boats used to travel on, and they needed a lot of water to work properly.
A Special Place for Nature
Chard Reservoir is officially recognized as a Local Nature Reserve. This means it's a protected area where nature can thrive, and people can visit to learn about and enjoy the local wildlife. It's a great spot for many outdoor activities.
Fun Activities at the Reservoir
- Dog Walking: Many people enjoy walking their dogs around the reservoir's paths.
- Fishing: If you like fishing, the water is stocked with carp, which are a type of fish.
- Birdwatching: It's a fantastic place to see many different kinds of birds. There's even a special bird hide where you can sit quietly and watch them without disturbing them.
Amazing Birds You Might See
Chard Reservoir is home to a wide variety of birds. You can often spot:
- Tall herons and egrets wading in the shallow water.
- Brightly colored kingfishers darting by.
- Large cormorants diving for fish.
- Graceful grebes, along with many different types of gulls and ducks.
You might also see woodland birds like nuthatches, treecreepers, and woodpeckers in the trees around the reservoir. It's a busy place for our feathered friends!
