Low reservoir levels expose Victorian bridge beneath Somerset lake
Prolonged heat and dry weather have revealed the former Bessom Bridge beneath Wimbleball Reservoir in Somerset. The Victorian-era stone bridge was submerged when the reservoir was created nearly 50 years ago. Officials said visitors should view it from a distance and avoid walking across the dried reservoir bed.
A Victorian-era stone bridge has reappeared beneath Wimbleball Reservoir in Somerset after prolonged heat and dry weather reduced water levels. The former Bessom Bridge was submerged nearly 50 years ago when Wimbleball Reservoir was created in Exmoor National Park. It was later replaced by a new bridge, which crosses the northern side of the lake.
When the water falls, the old bridge can be seen from the newer crossing. The Environment Agency previously listed Wimbleball among the country’s three lowest reservoirs after recording exceptionally low levels. South West Water said the reservoir held 21.1% of its capacity on 27 September.
The site has a capacity of 21,320 megalitres, with one megalitre equal to one million litres, and supplies water to hundreds of thousands of homes across the South West. Dr Lucy Shipley, historic environment record officer for Exmoor, described the exposed landscape and photographs of the bridge as dramatic. She said the area reflected both continuing environmental change and the long history of settlement and farming.
Other archaeological remains are also beneath the lake, including a barrow dating from the Bronze Age, according to Dr Shipley. The source said it was unclear why some structures were demolished before the reservoir was created while others survived. Dr Shipley urged visitors not to walk on the dried section of the reservoir.
The National Drought Group said recent rain had not been enough to replenish water supplies, and research by the Environment Agency indicated that the country would need 120% of typical rainfall over the following seven months for all areas to leave drought conditions.
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