Chew Valley Lake, Somerset, England, UK
Chew Valley Lake is a reservoir in the Chew Valley and the fifth-largest artificial lake in the United Kingdom (the largest in south-west England), with an area of 1,200 acres ( km²). The lake was created in the early 1950s and opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1956,; it 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. The lake is an important site for wildlife and has been designated 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 indigenous and migrant water birds throughout the year. The flora and fauna provide habitats for some less common plants and insects. It is flanked, on the south-east and southern sides, by the villages of North Widcombe and West Harptree, and by Sutton Wick on the eastern side. .
Size: 4288px × 2848px
Photo credit: © John Worrall / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: angling, autumn, chew, early, england, farming, fishing, harptree, hills, lake, mendip, mist, morning, nature, north, reserve, reservoir, sailing, somerset, uk, valley, west, widcombe
