Chard Nature Reserve
The Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve is partly within the Chaffcombe Parish Boundary and Chaffcombe Parish Council are involved in the decisions affecting this reserve.
Chard Reservoir has a diverse mixture of habitats, including open water, reed beds, meadows, and woodland with many different tree species. These attract a wide range of birds and other wildlife. There is a boardwalk which borders the reservoir, but it is not possible to walk the whole way around the water without using the road as some of the reservoir is privately owned.
The paths are suitable for most wheelchairs and buggies, and there is a bird hide overlooking the reservoir with up-to-date bird records. For more information about the site including a map, download the Chard Reservoir leaflet.http://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/environment/countryside/country-parks-and-spaces/chard-reservoir/
Dogs are allowed on site, but are restricted to certain areas in order to protect the wildlife – there are clear signs showing where dogs are not allowed.
To get to Chard reservoir, turn off down Oaklands Avenue from the A30 (East Street) and park in the free car park at the end of the road.
- Great white Egret © Lewis Bates
- Great Crested Grebe with fish © Lewis Bates
- Great Spotted Woodpecker in Chaffcombe© Lewis Bates
- Chaffinch at Chaffcombe© Lewis Bates
- Grenfinch in Flight© Lewis Bates
- Goldfinch quarrelling © Lewis Bates
- Carp feeding at the bird hide where visitors throw bread out of the windows.© Lewis Bates
- Roe Deer at Chard LNR© Lewis Bates
- A male Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding.© Lewis Bates
- Kingfishe © Lewis Bates
- Long Tailed Tit © Lewis Bates
- Nuthatch © Lewis Bates
- Redshank © Lewis Bates
- Rook © Lewis Bates
- Chard Reservior woodpecker
all images © Lewis Bates