Use this page to find out more about the Chew Valley Reconnected Partnership Project.
The Chew Valley Reconnected project area includes areas within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and extends to Keynsham.
The area has important networks of natural and semi-natural areas including Chew Valley Lake, important grassland sites and hedgerows in the upper catchment of the River Chew. These spaces provide crucial habitats and wildlife corridors for priority species including:
- swifts
- swallows
- house martins
- greater and lesser horseshoe bats
Project aims
The Chew Valley Reconnected project aims to strengthen our existing Nature Recovery Network by connecting existing habitats and filling identified 'gaps' in the network. It is also an opportunity to improve water quality and management.
The project also aims to enhance existing and create new walking and cycling access by:
- delivering the southern section of the Chew Valley Lake Recreational Trail (CVLRT)
- improving the Two Rivers Way walking route between Keynsham and Chew Valley Lake along the river
The project has the potential to support nature's recovery and deliver wider social and economic benefits, including improvements to human health and providing climate mitigation and resilience measures.
Project location
Use the following map to view the Chew Valley Reconnected Partnership Project boundary:
Further information
The Chew Valley Reconnected project partnership has been established to coordinate a programme of partner projects. Its members represent natural environment and community interests in the Chew Valley.
The Project Manager is currently preparing the CVLRT Full Business Case for the southern section of the route. It is funded by the West of England Combined Authority's (WECA) Infrastructure Fund with match funding from Bath & North East Somerset Council. When the southern section of the route is complete, it will provide a surfaced route around the whole lake.