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 _______________________________ 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) _____________________ 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)