West Woodyates Manor
Although once called the 'Roman Well' there is no real evidence that it is that old, but it has been used to measure groundwater levels in the Chalk since 1942.
Our enquiries service can help you to access groundwater level data for this well.
Hydrograph
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Information about the well
| West Woodyates Manor | |
|---|---|
| Wellmaster ID | SU01/5B |
| NGR | 4016 1194 |
| Datum | 110.88 m AOD |
| Monitoring details | |
| Type | Groundwater Level |
| Aquifer | Chalk |
| Confinement | Unconfined |
| Depth | 45.1 m |
| Record | |
| Monitored by | EA South West |
| Records commence | 1942 |
| Records end | active |
Hydrogeological setting
This well measures water levels in the Wessex Chalk aquifer between Blandford Forum and Salisbury. It is dug into Seaford Chalk. It is close to the head of a Bourne stream.
Well or borehole construction
The well consists of a 45.1 metre deep oval shaft, with a diameter of 3 metres by 1.37 metres. It is recorded in some records as the 'Roman' well - but there is no evidence in the record of whether this is anything other than a name.
Hydrograph response
The well has a relatively rapid and flashy response for a Chalk well, with typical annual fluctuations of 25 metres, and evidence of rapid recharge at high levels.
A file note suggests that the well responds to changes in wind direction - possibly barometric effects or the venturi effect.
At the highest levels groundwater flooding has been recorded in the cellars of the adjacent Manor House.
Data issues
Levels were noted in 1930, 1936, 1937 and 1938 prior to the commencement of regular monitoring in 1942.
Acknowledgements
At a national level, groundwater level monitoring data is collected and managed by the Environment Agency (England), the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland). Access to the data they collect (which includes many monitoring sites beyond those highlighted on these pages) and curate is online in England (DEFRA) and Scotland (SEPA).
Contact
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