The Birds of
Sutton Bingham Reservoir is a relatively small area of water situated about 5 miles to the south-west of Yeovil in Somerset, England. Created in the 1950's the reservoir provides water for the surrounding area, as well as good habitat for a number of birds and other wildlife, and recreational pursuits, including sailing and fishing. Whilst the northern end of the reservoir is set aside for these past-times, the southern half of the reservoir is a designated wildlife reserve, complete with hide.
At 142 acres it may not be the biggest body of water, but the hammer-shaped reservoir still produces some good birds. The dam is located to the north of the reservoir, and two separate rivers contribute the water. Gently sloping sides to the reservoir result in exposed mud in the drier months, which are ideal for passage waders. The southern end is often the most productive, due to the lack of disturbance, and contains an area of partially submerged willows, and small islands. The surrounding area is primarily arable farmland and meadows, with scattered copses and a conifer plantation less than a mile away.
Yet despite the close proximity to a large town such as Yeovil, the reservoir is relatively under watched, and underused, to the advantage of the resident wildlife.
The reservoir itself is owned and maintained by Wessex Water, one of the several privatized water companies in the United Kingdom, and there is also a warden. Whilst this website is not published or maintained by Wessex Water in any way, it is an acknowledged site. All views and opinions are those of the authors and not those of Wessex Water plc.
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� 2001 Tim Farr