HOW DO I FIND SUTTON BINGHAM?

Easily, using the instructions on this page!

Getting to the reservoir is extremely simple. Head from Yeovil on the A37 to Dorchester. As you leave Yeovil on the A37 you go straight over the first large roundabout, about 1/2 mile from the town, and then after 3/4 mile turn right, signposted to Sutton Bingham (this turning is opposite an obelisk at the top of a hill). On the side road continue for approximately 2 miles, eventually going under the railway bridge and arriving at the reservoir.

WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO VIEW THE RESERVOIR?

It is always worth stopping at the causeway just past the railway bridge and looking over the reservoir. Check West Pool for birds, especially in the winter months, looking for flocks of wigeon and teal. Also waders and terns in migration, the latter towards the dam and fishing lodge. This is also the best area to view the gulls as they come in to wash and rest before heading south to the coast to roost. It is always worth going through the flock and checking for rarer gulls.

Parking at the car park at the end of the causeway is also beneficial. Not only for the toilet facilities (!) but for the Norman Church. The trees around which provide feeding areas for a host of passerines. In winter small flocks comprising of tits, finches and crests feed along the track leading to the church, and summer yields warblers. The rookery can be observed from the car park also.

Following the road south along the reservoir towards Halstock there are a couple of pull in places where you an view the water. However, the hide is well worth a visit as it gives good views over a vast area of the reservoir.

The hide also has disabled access, and a log book in the hide records all the recent sightings. The hide is also the best place if you wish to see passage ospreys in the spring or autumn. Birds often perch in the dead trees or nearby pylons between fishing trips. The reed areas near the hide provide habitat for reed buntings and warblers.

To view the southern end of the reservoir continue south and pull in at the top of the hill opposite a farm. From here an excellent vantage point provides views of the southern end comprising of willows and small islands. This area is always productive. In winter it is the best place to find snipe and wildfowl, while in summer months, lower water levels expose mud and attract waders.

A final area worth checking out are the arable fields at the extreme limit of the reservoir and the stream at the southern end. The fields give a chance of yellowhammer and finch flocks, and the small coppice and stream-side trees provide food for smaller birds, including nuthatch, treecreeper and marsh tit.

Click on the button below for a detailed map, with best locations and key areas for specific birds:

Further information can be obtained from the website address below:

http://www.wessexwater.co.uk/recreation/sutton_bingham.html