Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve, Somerset
Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve covers some 88 acres on the eastern edge of Chard, a small market town in Somerset. The reservoir was originally built in Victorian times to provide water for the Chard Canal, which never really got off the ground following the advent of the railways.
The reserve is a huge open water site with woodlands and meadows, so it's popular with birdwatchers, anglers and walkers. Local families go there for a stroll around the perimeter of the reservoir, to take the children to feed the ducks and to play in the small woddland play area, others venture further on one of the three longer marked trails - the shorter route around the water has surfaced paths that are buggy and wheelchair friendly. There's a free car park, dogs are welcome but they must be kept on short leads and are not allowed in the woodland near the bird hide. If you want to go fishing, you'll need a rid licence and you must buy a ticket from Chard Angling Club who will tell you which areas to fish from.
All information correct at the time of writing.