Bird Watching
Below is a list of Somersets Bird watching RSPB nature reserves. All within a few miles of Wall Eden Farm. They have ample parking, wooden observation points and walkways through the wetland marshes. Many organised talks and walks can be attended at these centres as shown on the following RSPB web sites.
However, don't forget Wall Eden has its own, Kingfishers, little owls, swallows and other bird life.
RSPB GREYLAKE
On the A361 between Greinton & Othery - TA7 9BG - Sat Nav: Lat/lng: 51.107986,-2.859136
Tel: 01458 252805, Email: greylake@rspb.org.uk
An excellent location for bird watching, Greylake nature reserve is one of four RSPB reserves in the Somerset Levels and Moors. It is approximately five miles east of Bridgwater and consists of 20 low-lying fields in the north west corner of King's Sedgemoor. The fields at Greylake nature reserve used to be arable farmland; now the RSPB is managing this area for wetland birds and other wildlife. Today, less than five years after we started work, lapwings, snipe, curlews and redshanks nest on the reserve along with other ground-nesting birds such as yellow wagtails, skylarks and meadow pipits. We are creating habitats that will be attractive to breeding ducks and other wetland dwellers such as spotted crakes and water rails. Other wetland wildlife include dragonflies, water voles, otters and roe deer. In winter, the land floods and flocks of lapwings, golden plovers, wigeons, teals, shovelers and Bewick’s swans arrive. Guided walks through the year.
Web Site: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/g/greylake/index.aspx
RSPB HAM WALL
Meare, Nr Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9SX - Sat Nav: Lat/lng: 51.15384,-2.78925
Tel: 01458 860494, Email: ham.wall@rspb.org.uk
An excellent location for bird watching, this newly-created wetland of over 200 hectares lies in the northern part of the Somerset levels and Moors about 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Glastonbury. As one of the largest reedbed establishment sites in the country, the reserve is now a rich patchwork of reedbeds, wet scrub and open water, with peripheral grassland and woodland. 'Access for All' facilities, including nature trails, sound and hands-on displays, make Ham Wall accessible to a wide range of visitors. Wildlife populations are doing well. Otters frequently use the site, water voles are present in good numbers, and the reedbeds come alive with bird song in the spring. In Spring you can hear the booming calls of male bitterns, one of the UK’s rarest birds. Dragonflies and butterflies are abundant until late
velers, teals and wigeons. “Access for All” facilities include walkways accessible by wheelchairs and pushchairs, viewing areas and screens with tactile displays and a sound box. And see the million starlings filling the sky in the winter months as they arrive to roost among the reeds each afternoon. Guided walks through the year.
Web Site: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/h/hamwall/index.aspx
RSPB SWELL WOOD
Nr. Fivehead, Somerset, TA3 6PX - Sat Nav: Lat/lng: 51.010461,-2.91292
Tel: 01458 252805, Email: swell.wood@rspb.org.uk
Swell Wood is an ancient woodland, part of a continuous strip of woodland extending some 10 miles (15 km) along the ridge from Langport to the Blackdown Hills. It has the largest colony of breeding grey herons in south-west England - more than 100 pairs and a small number of little egrets nest here in the ancient oaks. Between March and June is the best time to come and see the spectacle. Wildflowers such as bluebells cover the woodland floor in spring and look out for primroses and orchids, too. We manage the woodland to benefit the dormice, woodland birds, butterflies and plants. Nuthatches and woodpeckers are among the many birds that feed at the car park bird feeders in winter. You can explore our two nature trails and hide, which are open at all times. No access for dogs, except on the Scarp Trail. They must be kept on leads.
Web Site: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/s/swellwood/index.aspx
RSPB WEST SEDGEMOOR
Tel: 01458 252805, Email: west.sedgemoor@rspb.org.uk
West Sedgemoor is part of England's largest remaining wet meadow system. Set among the Somerset Levels and Moors, it has the largest lowland population of breeding wading birds such as lapwings, snipe, curlew and redshanks in southern England.
In winter, the controlled flooding on the wet meadows attracts birds in their thousands - ducks such as wigeons, teals, shovelers, pintails and mallards, and wading birds such as golden plovers, snipe and lapwings.
The reserve has restricted access to protect ground-nesting birds and over-wintering flocks. Come on one of our guided walks to get special access to our winter viewing station.
West Sedgemoor is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. To keep the hay meadows and pastures special for wildlife, we control water levels and the grazing cattle create ideal habitats for ground-nesting birds. Our hedgerows are managed using traditional methods benefiting birds, small mammals and butterflies, and water voles and otters breed here too.
Web Site: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/w/westsedgemoor/index.aspx
All these world famous nature reserves are easily accesable from Wall Eden Farm
