King's Sedgemoor Drain

King's Sedgemoor Drain
King's Sedgemoor Drain near Dunball
Location
CountryEngland
StateSomerset
RegionSomerset Levels
Physical characteristics
SourceRiver Cary
  locationHenley Corner, Somerset, England
  coordinates51°05′26″N 2°48′28″W / 51.09056°N 2.80778°W / 51.09056; -2.80778
MouthRiver Parrett
  location
Dunball, Somerset, England
  coordinates
51°09′42″N 2°59′19″W / 51.16167°N 2.98861°W / 51.16167; -2.98861

King's Sedgemoor Drain is an artificial drainage channel which diverts the River Cary in Somerset, England, along the southern flank of the Polden Hills, to discharge into the River Parrett at Dunball near Bridgwater. As the name suggests, the channel is used to help drain the peat moors of King's Sedgemoor. There was opposition to drainage schemes from the local inhabitants, who feared that they would lose their common grazing rights. However, the main channel was constructed between 1791 and 1795, and despite some defects, brought some relief from flooding to the area.

The drain was upgraded during the Second World War, to provide a backup water supply for an armaments factory at Puriton, and again in 1972, when the Sowy River flood relief channel was built. The drain has hosted the National Fishing Championships, as it is well-stocked with fish, and is also an important haven for birds.