Chard Reservoir & Nature Reserve
Chard Reservoir Chaffcombe Lane, Chard, Somerset. Approx 40 acre disused Reservoir is a special site that requires a range of management techniques. The habitats on site vary from native woodlands to Wildflower meadows, open water to reed beds. Each area has very different management requirements and the rangers are kept busy conserving this important array of species. In the woodlands we have greatly reduced the exotic species (Laurel and Rhododendron) in an effort to return to more balanced native woodland. The meadows are cut annually and no chemical fertilizers are used. This approach has left us with an impressive display of marsh orchids in the summer months. The reed beds are helped to expand by reducing the number of willows that out shade them. Floating rafts have been added to the open water of the reservoir to provide resting and nesting places for birds, cormorants will often be seen Hanging their wings out to dry. The meadows in summer are alive with wildlife. Visit the buttercup meadow in June to see a carpet Of Marsh Orchids. In July these unimproved meadows support a healthy population of Marbled White butterflies, plus Skipper butterflies and some Blues. Throughout the summer both dragon and damselfly can be seen zooming over the grasslands and water. ©copyright All images on this site are the copyright of the admin and members that post the photos..
