Fernworthy Reservoir reveals Bronze Age remains due to low water

Low water levels at Fernworthy Reservoir near Chagford have revealed submerged prehistoric archaeology, including a Bronze Age hut circle, a clapper bridge, and a packhorse bridge. Data from South West Lakes Trust for the week ending October 11 indicates the reservoir is only 24 per cent full, holding 416 megalitres of its 1,765 megalitre capacity. This level is significantly lower than the 47 per cent recorded in October 2022.

The reservoir was completed in 1942 to supply Torbay, a project that flooded part of the Bronze Age settlement at Metherell. While these remains periodically reappear during dry periods, the Dartmoor National Park Authority noted that the exposed features face vulnerabilities similar to other moorland remains. Archaeologists conduct inspections during low-water periods to ensure protection.

Devon was officially declared in drought by the Environment Agency in July, a status maintained in a recent government report. South West Lakes Trust has advised visitors to stay on paths and keep dogs on leads due to deep mud around the exposed archaeological sites.