The Otterhead Estate Trust Company Ltd - Otterford, Somerset
Subscribe to our news feed for your local area Subscribe to our events feed for your local area Subscribe to our genealogy feed for your local area Subscribe to our quick posts feed for your local area
  • The Otterhead Estate Trust Company Ltd - Otterford, Somerset
  • (Environment, Country)
Bookmark and Share
Contact Information
Further Description
  • A not for profit community group managing the Otterhead Estate and Lakes Local Nature Reserve designated by Taunton Deane Borough Council and registered as a BBC Breathing Place during 2008. The main access is via a free car park from a lane linking the B3170 and St. Leonard's Church, Otterford; it is also about one mile north-east from Churchinford. The reserve is mainly a steep sided section of the valley of the River Otter. The river forms the boundary between Churchstanton and Otterford parishes and was impounded to form the Otterhead Lakes, at least seven in number, of which two still remain. The lakes were part of the landscaped grounds of Otterhead House (demolished in 1952) which was at the heart of the 1,700 acre Otterhead Estate (broken up in 1919). The site is therefore an example of a 'lost garden' with ornamental plants remaining. There is no admission charge but visitors should note that the site is owned by Wessex Water as a mains water catchment, so it is important that water quality is protected for public health reasons. The Otterhead Estate Trust Co. Ltd. has the task, subject to funding, of conserving and part restoring the remaining heritage features of the Victorian and Edwardian Otterhead Estate, including garden plants, as well as improving the various wildlife habitats. The site is also seen as a potential education resource for the economic, social and horticultural history of the Blackdown Hills, as well as providing work experience in nature reserve and heritage site management. The Reserve has a nature trail, other paths and lake views but potential visitors should be aware that path surfaces are uneven, muddy and steep in places and that the bus service (Churchinford) is infrequent. Two information sheets, one describing the nature trail and the other describing heritage features and also including a brief history of the estate, produced by Taunton Deane Borough Council and the Estate Trust, are usually available from the tourist information centres at Wellington, Taunton, Ilminster, Chard, Axminster, Honiton and Ottery St. Mary and by downloading from the internet; however the information sheets are not available at Otterhead.


Advertisement

About Us |  Give Us Some Feedback
© Copyright 1999 - 2012 Oxbury Assets Ltd. All rights reserved.
Registered Number: 7149211. Registered Office: Oxbury Assets Ltd, Fairclough Hall Farm, Weston, Herts. SG4 7DP
Email: info@ukvillages.co.uk   Telephone: 0800 088 7282