Policy
We will allow access to picnic sites, nature trails, footpaths and permissive paths. Access to bird hides and for special interest groups is available by permit. Historic buildings may be visited on Open Days and by arrangement.

Open days
The 2005 open days programme, featuring a new approach and fresh educational themes, was very successful.

Nineteen Discovery Day events were held at the Blagdon Lake Visitor Centre, beginning in April and running every Sunday until August 21st.

The events featured the usual Blagdon attractions -- the beam engines, hands-on displays etc. However, there was extra emphasis on the water conservation and educational aspects of the Centre, with a special theme day each month – see below.

Over 13,600 visitors were attracted; market research showed that they left with a better understanding of how their water was supplied.

Main theme days
May - Thirst of Knowledge
The Thirst for water
The focus of this event was on water as an essential ingredient for life. Visitors could take part in sports activities like mini (kids’) tennis which highlighted just how important it is to take regular intakes of water when engaged in any sporting events. Experts were on hand to talk about how vital water is to our body’s welfare. Hundreds of free water bottles were given away to schools as part of our campaign to help children have greater access to water during the school day.

June - The Wonder of Water
A fun and interactive day of shows and hand-on experiment to spotlight just how much science is involved in the treatment of water. Light-hearted science shows took the audience through the treatment process in an entertaining but informative format where audience participation was a key part. A joint project with Hugh Sexey School (Blackford, Somerset) also provided a range of hands-on experiments set-up for visitors to have a go at with the children there to explain just what was going on.

July - Discover nature
Blagdon Lake and its surrounding land is a haven for wildlife. This event allowed visitors to go on guided nature trail walks of the grounds to find out more about this wildlife and the work the company does to ensure it flourishes. Other wildlife groups like the Mendip Wardens and the RSPB put up displays and many experts were on hand to answer questions and pass on their experience. A giant otter holt made from straw bales ensured the kids had a chance to experience life as one of the local animals as they raced through for prizes.

August – Thirsty work
This day featured the work done by the ‘water industry’ charity WaterAid. For millions of people in Africa and Asia, turning on the tap to get a glass of refreshing water is just not an option. Bristol Water is a big supporter of the charity and customers over the years have donated many thousands of pounds via the bill enclosure and fundraising activities and events. Over £500 was raised on the day but, just as importantly, the 2,500 visitors had a chance to find out more about the work and where the money is being spent. Children also had a chance to take on the ‘crazy’ assault course testing their ability to carry a bucket of water over obstacles without getting too wet.

Fun though this game was, it certainly brought home to the participants just how heavy and difficult water is a to carry over any distance and left everyone realizing just how hard it must be to have to travel miles in search of water just to be able to live.

CHEW LAKE PICNIC AREA AND TEA SHOP
Chew Valley Lake has two large landscaped picnic areas which are open to the public all year round. There is also an information centre and teashop in picnic area no 1. Two nature trails covering a total of 2.7km - The Grebe and Bittern - are accessible from picnic area no 2. The Grebe is an all weather surface suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. These facilities are used by thousands of visitors during the year. (dogs are also permitted but must be kept on a lead)

WOODFORD LODGE
Woodford Lodge restaurant and fishing lodge was also a popular destination throughout the year. A 55 seat restaurant provides a range of menus as well as catering for group bookings and weddings. During the season the lodge is also the centre for the lake’s fishing activities including major events and competitions.

CHEDDAR RESERVOIR
The company allows public access for walks around the perimeter of Cheddar reservoir which covers a distance of just over 3.5 km. There are two free car parks available with access up to the path. In conjunction with Somerset County Council a new gate was installed at the Axbridge entrance to give improved access for disabled people.

(Dogs are also permitted but must be kept on a lead. Some further restrictions apply when sheep are grazing)

HERITAGE CONSERVATION
The Blagdon beam engines, housed in a listed pumping station, were maintained. One is still in working order running by electricity and is regularly run for visitors at open days and for school visits during the year.

BIRDWATCHING
During the year we issued annual and daily birdwatching permits. These allow access to the reservoir enclosures and to use the access road, paths and the seven bird hides (one of these hides is accessible from the Bittern trail and does not need a permit). These permits are only available to members of recognised ornithological and naturalist societies.