Safety work at Longleat’s Shearwater Lake starts this month to meet legal safety rules. Project to last four months.
The lake is in Wiltshire, a pretty place. It should take about four months to finish. This lake was made way back in the 1790s. It’s a Category 1 Reservoir, legally speaking. The Reservoir Act of 1975 regulates its safety.
They’ve changed the lake and dam over time. The law has overseen things since 1975. An inspection showed the spillway needs fixing. This helps the dam handle big floods.
The spillway lets extra water flow. This prevents pressure on the old dam wall. They will lower the path on the reservoir top. They are also improving the spillway’s eastern bank. The Environment Agency is advising them on this.
Longleat wants to ensure safety standards. David Leverett mentioned they’ve worked with the Agency. This project is about fixing current structures. Shearwater is a man-made lake.
It comes from a Wylye River part. People have enjoyed it for ages. They want to protect it for future use. The lake stretches around 700 meters. It gets over 10 meters deep sometimes.
People sail and fish there. Walkers and runners use paths around it. The work starts on February 24th, taking four months. They’re improving a path to the lake’s north side. This happens while dam work occurs.
The road on the dam closes for the project. This lets engineers do crucial safety upgrades. It will be closed during construction. David said sorry for the possible disruption, but it’s important.
He stressed they must do the safety work. This protects lake users and the lake itself. The Shearwater car park will stay open. Jersey Hill is a no-parking zone.
The Highway Agency manages that road section. They arranged special access for the club. Fences will block the work area. Also, the café is getting a makeover.
Its tenant isn’t renewing their lease for 2025. The refurbishment will occur concurrently with the reservoir work.