Overview

In a good autumn, up to 7,000 wildfowl can be present at Chew Valley Lake in August-September. There is also a good variety of waders, gulls and terns, as well as a sprinkling of rarer species. Birders may be surprised to learn that this time of year at Chew Valley is better than midwinter, because falling late-summer water levels produce a food-rich muddy margin, bring the weed close to the lake surface and concentrate the fish. Chew can be truly excellent when it’s on top form, although in recent years water levels have often failed to drop, resulting in a poor wader passage and lower numbers of dabbling ducks.

Birds

Various ducks including Garganey, Red-crested Pochard and possibly Ferruginous Duck, Black-necked Grebe, Hobby, Water Rail, Spotted Crake, Green and possibly Pectoral Sandpipers, Common Snipe, chance of Grey Phalarope, Yellow-legged, Mediterranean, Little and occasional Sabine’s Gulls, Arctic, Black and possibly White-winged Black Terns, Cetti’s Warbler.

Bird news

For the latest news, call Birdline South-West on 09068 700241. To report sightings, call 0845 456 7938. Also check the website www.cvlbirding.co.uk.

Map

OS map: Landranger 172 (www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk).

Contact

County recorder: Brian Gibbs, 23 Lyngford Road, Taunton, Somerset TA2 7EE (tel: 01823 274887; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Bristol Water, Woodford Lodge, Chew Stoke, Bristol BS40 8XH (tel: 01275 332339; website: www.bristolwater.co.uk).

Accommodation

There is accommodation in Chew Stoke and nearby villages. Try www.visitbristol.co.uk for more options.

Food and drink

Woodford Lodge serves food, as does the picnic site shop just east of the main dam. There are many pubs in the surrounding villages. The general store in West Harptree sells excellent rolls.