Policy
We will allow access to picnic sites, nature trails,
footpaths and permissive paths. Access to bird hides and for special interest
groups is available by permit. Historic buildings may be visited on Open Days
and by arrangement.
Open days
The 2006 open days programme continued with its popular ‘Discovery days’ approach incorporating a different watery theme each month to focus
a particular aspect of water and all with an educational slant.
In total we held Nineteen Discovery Day events, all held at the Blagdon Lake Visitor Centre,
beginning on April 19th and running every Sunday until August 20th.
The events featured the usual Blagdon attractions including the massive
beam engines, one still turning by electric power; hands-on displays and
touchscreens as well as a Lakeroom highlighting the flora and fauna in and
around the lake and a museum. The emphasis continued to be on the water conservation and educational aspects of the
Centre, with a special theme day each month – see below.
Over 15,000 visitors were attracted
Main theme days
May - The Wonder of Water
Here we asked questions such as: have you ever seen a stone float on water or
wood that sinks? And do ships really disappear in the Bermuda Triangle? All
this and more was explored in our fun and interactive science shows put on by
our two in-house scientists Patric and John. The entertaining half hour long
shows were designed to explain how whilst a simple glass of water might only contain H2O, you’d be
amazed at the science and technology behind it.
June Discover nature
Blagdon
Lake and its surrounding land is a haven
for wildlife. This event allowed visitors to go on guided nature trail walks of
the grounds to find out more about this wildlife and the work the company does
to ensure it flourishes. Other wildlife groups like the Mendip Wardens, the
Environment Agency and the RSPB put up displays and many experts were on hand to answer questions and
pass on their experience. A giant otter holt made from
straw bales ensured the kids had a chance to experience life as one of the
local animals as they raced through for prizes.
August – Thirsty work
As with the previous year the final open day of the
season featured the work done by the ‘water industry’ charity WaterAid. For
millions of people in Africa and
Asia, turning
on the tap to get a glass of refreshing water is just not an option. Bristol
Water is a big supporter of the charity and customers over the years have
donated many thousands of pounds via the bill enclosure and fundraising
activities and events. Games and activities were set-up to give Children a
chance to have fun with water, the giant ‘crazy’
assault course testing their ability to carry a bucket of water over obstacles
without getting too wet was again the most popular.
This game in particular certainly brought home to the children
just how heavy and difficult water is a to carry over any distance and left
everyone realizing just how hard it must be to have to travel miles in search
of water just to be able to live.
CHEW
LAKE
PICNIC AREA AND
TEA
SHOP
Chew
Valley
Lake has two large
landscaped picnic areas which are open to the public all year round. There is
also an information centre and teashop in picnic area no 1. Two nature trails
covering a total of 2.7km - The Grebe and Bittern - are accessible from picnic
area no 2. The Grebe is an all weather surface suitable for pushchairs and
wheelchairs. These facilities are used by thousands of visitors during the
year. (dogs are also permitted but must be kept on a
lead)
WOODFORD LODGE
Woodford Lodge restaurant and fishing lodge was also a popular destination
throughout the year. A 55 seat restaurant provides a range of menus as well as
catering for group bookings and weddings. During the season the lodge is also
the centre for the lake’s fishing activities including major events and
competitions.
CHEDDAR RESERVOIR
The company allows public access for walks around the
perimeter of Cheddar reservoir which covers a distance of just over 3.5 km.
There are two free car parks available with access up to the path. In
conjunction with Somerset County Council a new gate was installed at the
Axbridge entrance to give improved access for disabled people.
(Dogs are also permitted but must be kept on a lead. Some further
restrictions apply when sheep are grazing)
HERITAGE CONSERVATION
The Blagdon beam engines, housed in a listed pumping
station, were maintained. One is still in working order running by electricity
and is regularly run for visitors at open days and for school visits during the
year.
BIRDWATCHING
During the year we issued annual and daily birdwatching permits. These allow
access to the reservoir enclosures and to use the access road, paths and the
seven bird hides (one of these hides is accessible from the Bittern trail and
does not need a permit). These permits are only available to members of
recognised ornithological and naturalist societies. |
