Bird watching
Chard Reservoir is a great place to spot birds. You can use the bird hide, a special shelter that lets you watch birds by the water and on the shore. The bird hide is not open all the time, so check the opening times before you go.
Bird Hide Opening Times
- Weekdays: 8.30am to 3.30pm
- Weekends: Morning to Evening (dependant on volunteer availability)
From the bird hide, you might see kingfishers, grebes, herons, or egrets. In winter, you can also see birds like sandpipers and teals. Sometimes very rare birds, like avocets or ospreys, visit too. There is also a spot called the ‘Rest ‘n’ View’. It is a screen with bird feeders nearby. Birds like tits, chaffinches, and nuthatches come here to eat. It is a nice place to stop, rest, and watch the birds.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted at the reservoir through the Chard Angling Club.
For more information about membership and purchasing of day tickets visit the Chard Angling Club website.
Dog walking
Dogs are welcome at the reserve, but please follow the rules:
- Dogs must be kept on a short lead in the woodland.
- Always keep your dog under control and stay on the paths so you don’t damage plants or disturb wildlife.
- Please clean up after your dog everywhere in the reserve to keep it safe and tidy for children and families. There are lots of dog bins around.
- Dogs are not allowed on the shoreline or near the bird hide in the conservation area.
Trekker Tim's Trail
Grab yourself a leaflet from Oaklands Car Park or download one from our website to help Trekker Tim answer questions whilst he is out on his adventures around the reservoir.
There are a few hidden treasures around the reservoir – download the Geocaching app to see if you can find them.
Woodland play zone
Enjoy a walk and a picnic with the family and discover our woodland play zone. With simple features like balancing beams and stepping stones to keep little ones entertained.
Common questions
Can I cycle around at the reserve?
Cycling is not permitted across the reserve, the paths are too narrow and busy.
However you can cycle along the Sustrans off-road cycle path to Ilminster and link to the wider cycling network on route 33.
Find out more about the ‘Stop Line Way’ on the Sustrans website.
Can I use a kayak or paddle board on the reservoir?
Unfortunately not. The reservoir is managed as a nature reserve and there is angling on site too. This means there are areas that are not open for public access. There simply isn’t the space for more activities without detriment to the wildlife on the water and shoreline.
Can I swim at Chard Reservoir?
Swimming is strictly prohibited at Chard Reservoir, due to the poor water quality in the summer and the very deep water. There would also be a conflict with the site being managed as a Nature Reserve and angling on the site.
Can I use a remote control boat on the reservoir?
Unfortunately not, for the same reasons stated above.
Can I use a drone at the nature reserve?
Drone use is strictly regulated across all of our sites to prevent disturbance to the wildlife and so that the privacy of our visitors is respected. If you have a good reason for wanting to fly a drone across any of our countryside sites, you will need to email the Countryside Manager to request permission, along with a copy of your public liability insurance and certification to fly a drone.
Please email rachael.whaites@southsomerset.gov.uk for permission to fly a drone.
Can I have a BBQ or small campfire on site?
No. Due to the high fire risk and detriment to the wildlife, barbeques and campfires are strictly prohibited at Chard Reservoir.
Can I camp or stay overnight at Chard Reservoir LNR?
Unfortunately not. We have had a few negative incidences with campers and campervans causing trouble and/or littering the site and so we do not allow overnight stays. The only exception are bivvies for anglers that have paid to be on site overnight.