Cheddar Reservoir Claimed

Cheddar Reservoir an artificial reservoir dating from the 1930s it has a capacity of 135 million gallons (614,000 cubic metres). The reservoir is supplied with water taken from the River Yeo in the Cheddar Gorge. It lies to the west of the village of Cheddar and south east of the town of Axbridge. It is roughly circular in shape, and surrounded by large earth banks which are grazed by sheep. The reservoir has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its wintering waterfowl populations. Two car parks give access to the reservoir; one is at the Axbridge end, and on the eastern side, accessible from Cheddar. Bristol Corinthians sailing club is situated at its northern end. Other recreational activities include windsurfing, angling (for pike, tench, roach, perch and eels). The reservoir, which has an area of 105.4 hectares (260 acres), is attractive to waterbirds, in particular wintering wildfowl and gulls. Wildfowl present regularly in winter include mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), gadwall (Anas strepera), tufted duck (Aythya fuligula), common pochard (Aythya ferina), Eurasian wigeon (Anas penelope), common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) and goosander (Mergus