CHEW VALLEY LAKE was formed by the construction of a dam on the River Chew near Chew Stoke. The construction was started in 1950 and took 6 years to complete. It was built to supply the people of Bristol with drinking water.

Local agricultural farmland was flooded to form Chew Valley Lake and several farmsteads had to be demolished beforehand. When water levels recede during dry spells, old hedgerows, tree stumps, roads and even a bridge can be seen once again.

Bristol Water own and operate this reservoir which is rich with wildlife and has been designated a SSSI, a Special Protection Area, and is one of Britain's most important sites for wintering wildfowl. It is a world-renowned fly fishing venue and is one of the most heavily stocked Trout fisheries in Europe.

The lake is also a popular water sports venue, hosting windsurfing and sailing in addition to housing a nature reserve, several public picnic areas and woodland walks.