SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Firearms fears at nature reserve

COUNTRYSIDE rangers at Chard Reservoir have had several incidents reported to them of guns being used at the site.

They are now urging the public to stop using weapons at the nature reserve and contact the police if anyone sees anything suspicious.

During the last week, two separate incidents where members of the public have been seen using or handling an air rifle and evidence of a further use over the weekend have been reported to the rangers. Incidents have been reported to the Police.

If you see anyone handling a weapon at any public site, report it immediately to the Police on 999. It is an offence to handle a firearm in public and also to discharge of a firearm in a public place.

PHOTO - TOP: Police have been informed of incidents involving firearms at Chard Reservoir.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Chard Reservoir.

Ranger Tim Brown, who maintains Chard Reservoir, said: “We’ve had a number of incidents reported to us in the past week and we want to put a stop to anyone potentially harming wildlife or another person now before it actually happens.

“Ring the police immediately if you see anyone acting suspicious or who you see bringing any sort of weapon on site, including knifes, firearms and cross-bows.”

The Chard Reservoir site is owned by South Somerset District Council and the authority’s leisure and culture spokesman, Cllr Sylvia Seal, was shocked when told of the incidents.

“No weapons are allowed on our sites without the permission of South Somerset District Council,” she said. “We urge anyone who is thinking about taking any sort of weapon to any public site to think again. Public sites aren’t the place for weapons.”

Chard Reservoir has 88 acres of open water, woodland and meadow.

The reservoir site is a haven for birdwatchers, anglers and local walkers. The outer wildflower meadows are excellent examples of unimproved grassland awash with orchids and alive with insects in the summer months.

The woodland that edges the reservoir itself is home to many species and is managed to maintain that diversity.

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