Chew Valley Lake is a large reservoir in the Chew Valley, Somerset,
England, and the largest artificial lake in south-west England with an
area of 1,200 acres (4.9 km²). The lake, which was created in the
early 1950s and opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1956, provides much of
the drinking water for the city of Bristol and surrounding area,
taking its supply from the Mendip Hills. Some of the water from the
lake is used to maintain the flow in the River Chew. Before the lake
was flooded, archaeological investigations were carried out which
showed evidence of occupation since Neolithic times and included Roman
artefacts. The lake is also an important site for wildlife and has
been dedicated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special
Protection Area. It is a national centre for birdwatching with over
260 species recorded, including some unusual sightings. The lake has a
range of indigenous and migrant water birds throughout the year, and
two dedicated nature trails have been created. The flora and fauna
provide a variety of habitats and include some of the less common
plants and insects. Some restricted use for recreational activities is
permitted by the owners Bristol Water including Dinghy sailing and
fishing, primarily for trout.
Read the rest of this article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chew_Valley_Lake
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Today's selected anniversaries:
1791:
The Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791, one of the earliest codified
national constitutions in the world, was adopted by the Sejm.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_Constitution_of_May_3%2C_1791)
1808:
The Swedish fortress Sveaborg was lost to Russia during the Finnish
War.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suomenlinna)
1937:
Gone with the Wind, a novel by Margaret Mitchell, won the Pulitzer
Prize.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_with_the_Wind)
1945:
World War II: German ocean liner SS Cap Arcona, left to float
defenselessly in the Baltic Sea with thousands of prisoners from
various concentration camps on board, was attacked and sunk by RAF
Typhoons.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Cap_Arcona)
1947:
A new Constitution of Japan went into effect.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Japan)
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Wikiquote of the day:
"Education is what you get when you read the fine print; experience is
what you get when you don't." -- Pete Seeger
(
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Pete_Seeger)