Warleigh Weir is a river structure located on the River Avon in Somerset, near Bath. The weir was created between 1809 and 1813 as part of the construction program for the Claverton Pumping Station. The weir is accessed from the adjacent island which is created from the bifurcation of the river running to the Claverton Pumping station and the main flow of the River Avon.
Recreation
Warleigh Weir has been a popular local swimming spot for over 100 years. In this time the site has become increasingly popular with national and international press coverage. The river island which is typically used to access the weir is privately owned and is not designated public access land. There is a public footpathacross the field but this does not lead to the weir itself.
Safety
There have been reported incidents of Weils disease in the river. Repeated warnings have been issued by the Canal and River Trust and the Warleigh Weir Project around the dangers of swimming at the site. The Warleigh Weir Project website states:
The Warleigh Weir, Island Field and River Avon are not safe places. This is working agricultural land which presents various hazards and risks. The river is not a designated swimming spot, there are no lifeguards and there may be no assumption of safety at the site whatsoever.
Land Ownership and Warleigh Weir Project
Until summer 2018 the land adjacent to the weir had been used for cattle grazing. In June 2018 the land was purchased by the "Warleigh Island Conservation Project Ltd" which is a not-for-profit social enterprise founded by local entrepreneur, property developer and philanthropist Johnny Palmer. The Warleigh Weir Project was founded to "promote the sustainable use of the countryside"
Controversy and Threat of Closure
Upon purchasing the land the new owner threatened to close the land to the public "unless people stop leaving their rubbish behind" The threat was published extensively on local and national media channels and received both criticism and support. Subsequently, the "Warleigh Weir project Guardians" group was setup which is a 300-strong group of volunteers who assist with promoting the project values, making site improvements and cleaning the site. The site has also become a popular spot for mass skinny dipping events. During the Coronavirus Crisis of 2020 the site was forced to be closed due to island users not adhering to social distancing rules.
