Cheddar Rising

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Somerset Sedgemoor

England

Cheddar Rising

North Street Chapel, Cheddar Credit: PAUL FARMER

Cheddar Rising is a picturesque region located in Somerset, England, known for its stunning natural landscape and various bodies of water. Situated in the heart of the Mendip Hills, this area is home to a diverse range of aquatic habitats including lakes, pools, ponds, and freshwater marshes.

The centerpiece of Cheddar Rising is the Cheddar Reservoir, a large man-made lake that spans over 135 acres. This reservoir was originally created in the 1930s to supply water to the Bristol area and has since become a popular spot for various water activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and fishing. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, the lake offers a truly serene and tranquil atmosphere.

In addition to the Cheddar Reservoir, the region is also dotted with smaller pools and ponds, which provide important habitats for a wide array of aquatic plants and animals. These bodies of water are often teeming with life, attracting numerous bird species, amphibians, and insects, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

Furthermore, Cheddar Rising boasts a unique freshwater marsh, a wetland area characterized by its shallow water and diverse vegetation. This marsh serves as a vital ecosystem, supporting a variety of bird species and acting as a breeding ground for amphibians and insects.

Overall, Cheddar Rising is a haven for water lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, offering a stunning array of lakes, pools, ponds, and freshwater marshes that showcase the natural beauty and biodiversity of this charming region in Somerset.

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Cheddar Rising Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.282041/-2.7681784 or Grid Reference ST4653. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

North Street Chapel, Cheddar

PAUL FARMER

Intake tower at Cheddar reservoir

PAUL FARMER

Strawberry Line north-west of Cheddar

The National Cycle Network is a network of cycle routes. It was created by the charity Sustrans Link

(Sustainable Transport), aided by a National Lottery grant. Many routes aim to minimise contact with motor traffic, though 70% of them are on roads. In some cases the NCN uses pedestrian routes, disused railways, minor roads, canal towpaths, or traffic-calmed routes in towns and cities.

David Smith

Bridge for Lower New Road, Cheddar over Strawberry Line

The National Cycle Network is a network of cycle routes. It was created by the charity Sustrans Link

David Smith

Workshops, Wedmore Road, Cheddar

David Smith

The edge of Cheddar and woodland in Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, west of the village of Cheddar. The gorge is the site of the Cheddar show caves, where Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, estimated to be over 9,000 years old, was found in 1903. Older remains from the Upper Late Palaeolithic era (12,000–13,000 years ago) have been found. The caves, produced by the activity of an underground river, contain stalactites and stalagmites. Extract from Wikipedia Link

David Smith

Cheddar Methodist Chapel

David Smith

Prickles Charity Shop, Cheddar

David Smith

Builders' merchants, Wedmore Road, Cheddar

The Strawberry Line runs to the right of the gate

David Smith

Sharpham Road playing fields, Cheddar

David Smith

Hedge by Strawberry Line, north-west of Cheddar

The National Cycle Network is a network of cycle routes. It was created by the charity Sustrans Link

David Smith

Rose Cottage, The Cliffs, Cheddar

Grade II Listed early 19th century cottage previously Cheddar Toy and Model Museum, the pink south wing containing Cheddar Models. In 2015 sales particulars it was described as “The interior space offers some 1,473 sq.ft. of floor space and requires total renovation. It is divided into the residential area which is two storey – some floors are missing. The shop premises are single storey and have been modernised with sash windows and new rendered walls and a separate door onto the street”. The museum opened in May 1996 under the famous Lion Rock. In August 2011 the museum website was offering the business for sale and by June 2012 its website was reporting it closed. The building appears to have sold in May 2015 and in January 2020 it was reported Listed Building Consent had been granted for renovation work. A search of my directories only locates one entry for Rose Cottage, 1914 Miss Sarah Stephens, refreshment rooms, Rose Cottage, Cliff Road. From what I can make out there seems to be no business here in the 1890s but in the 1920s and 1940s photos seem to show a shop.

Jo and Steve Turner

Information centre, former National Trust Shop, The Cliffs, Cheddar

Sedgemoor District Council built the information centre in the 1980s and was more recently leased by the National Trust. Late 2020 the Trust announced it would not be renewing its lease. Cheddar Vision Group (established 2014) decided to take on the building as a community project and it reopened on 23rd October 2021 through the half term week. Opening at weekends over winter it was intended to open weekdays in Spring 2022.

Jo and Steve Turner

Rose Cottage and Lily Cottage, The Cliffs, Cheddar

On the left, Grade II Rose Cottage, (see ST4653 : Rose Cottage, The Cliffs, Cheddar). Nestled in the background is Grade II Listed early 19th century Lily Cottage along with the small shop in front previously the Leather Shop that appears to have closed between 2011-2015. The small shop at the front was a gift shop for a while that probably closed 2017. Planning was approved in late 2017 for a change of use of the cottage to a dwelling.

Jo and Steve Turner

Lion Rock Tea Rooms, The Cliffs, Cheddar

Claimed to have been trading since 1908 prior to at least 2014 the well regarded tea room's was known as Derrick's Tea Rooms and Shop.

Jo and Steve Turner

The White Hart, The Bays, Cheddar

Unusually for a pub, I can find very little information about the building on line. Directory entries include; 1842-1852 Cheddar not listed; 1889-1902 Frank House, White Hart; 1914-1919 Henry Durbin, White Hart P.H., The Cliffs; 1932 Emma Durbin.

Jo and Steve Turner