Nature Reserves
Somerset Levels Nature Reserves
The Somerset Levels are an internationally important wetland landscape, renowned for their rich biodiversity, particularly birdlife. This low-lying, watery area is home to a fantastic concentration of nature reserves, many of which are now encompassed within the Somerset Wetlands National Nature Reserve (NNR).
Somerset Wetlands NNR
Ham Wall (RSPB)
This is perhaps one of the best-known reserves on the Levels, managed by the RSPB. It’s a prime example of wetland habitat creation from former peat workings. Known for its Bittern, Great White Egrets and the spectacular displays of thousands of Starlings in the autumn and winter.
Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve (Natural England)
Adjacent to Ham Wall, Shapwick Heath offers similar fantastic wetland habitats with reedbeds, open water, and wet woodlands. The site has some of the best wildflower meadows in SW England. It’s also part of the Avalon Marshes.
Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve (Hawk and Owl Trust)
Adjacent to Shapwick Heath, this reserve is dedicated to restoring farmland to semi-natural grassland and fen habitat. And specifically managed for owls and other birds of prey.
Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve (Somerset Wildlife Trust)
Another jewel in the Avalon Marshes, managed by Somerset Wildlife Trust. It’s a re-created wetland from former peat extraction sites and provides a home for a huge array of wetland species, including diverse birdlife and dragonflies.
Catcott Nature Reserve (Somerset Wildlife Trust)
This reserve offers a mosaic of traditional hay meadows, wet woodland and wet grazing marsh and fen. Providing diverse habitats for birds and other wildlife.
RSPB Greylake
Located in the heart of the Levels, Greylake offers trails and hides to observe a kaleidoscope of wildlife throughout the seasons, from displaying waders in spring to wintering ducks.
RSPB West Sedgemoor
Part of England’s largest remaining wet meadow system. This reserve is focused on the protection of breeding wading birds and wintering wildfowl. With public access generally via footpaths around the edges or guided winter walks.
Somerset Coastal Reserves
Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve (Natural England/WWT)
Located where the River Parrett meets the Severn Estuary, this is an internationally important site for waterfowl and wading birds, with vast mudflats, saltmarsh and shingle ridges.
WWT Steart Marshes
Slightly to the west is Steart Marshes, a significant coastal wetland managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT). It provides important habitats for coastal birds and acts as a climate change adaptation project.
Huntspill River (Environment Agency)
Also, part of the Somerset Wetlands NNR. Open access along the river.
North Somerset Levels
Gordano Valley National Nature Reserve (NNR)
A significant wildlife site located in North Somerset. The site has an outstanding mosaic of habitats including species-rich wet grassland, fen and wet woodland. Some parts of the NNR have restricted access due to their fragility and conservation interests (public access may be by permit only in some areas). Several sites within the valley are managed by the Avon Wildlife Trust as nature reserves (e.g. Weston Big Wood, Clapton Moor, Weston Moor and Walton Common).
The Strawberry Line heritage trail
While not a formal nature reserve, this disused railway line offers a fantastic green corridor through North Somerset, providing valuable habitat and opportunities to experience nature.
Join Us
Join us and explore these fantastic nature reserves and havens for wildlife. You do not need any special skills, just enthusiasm and a desire to find out more about the wildlife of these areas.