RSPB Ham Wall


Somerset Levels
Ham Wall is a National Nature Reserve on the Somerset Levels.
The Somerset Levels and Moors is a unique flat landscape that extends for about 170,000 acres across parts of the north and centre of the county of Somerset.
It reaches from the Mendips in the north to the Blackdown Hills in the south.
The Levels were created in the 18th and 19th century, when the River Brue was irrigated, and the fields were drained for peat digging.
The result is a highly distinctive landscape which can be seen at its best around the Avalon Marshes.


Avalon Marshes
At the heart of the Somerset Levels and Moors, lies a beautiful, internationally renowned area called the Avalon Marshes.
The Avalon Marshes are a broad wedge of wetlands rich in wildlife and currently converted in a patchwork of nature reserves that stretches several miles to the west.
Here you can visit 6 different nature reserves:
- Ham Wall National Nature Reserve
- Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve
- Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve
- Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve
- Catcott Nature Reserve
- Huntspill River Nature Reserve


RSPB Ham Wall
Whilst living in Somerset we frequently visited the Levels because it is simply the best place in the country for inland birdwatching.
By returning abandoned peat workings and former farmland into flooded meadows and muddy swamps, this whole network of nature reserves preserves the habitat of various endangered species.
We often went to the more compact Ham Wall Nature Reserve to look for its most prized resident.
We watched and spied for hours on end in the ribbed reedbeds but unfortunately, we did not spot the bittern.
Ham Wall hosts the country’s largest breeding population of this elusive bird. But they are exceedingly difficult to spot!


Walking
You can follow several secluded paths through this mystical and stunning landscape.
If you follow the Reedbed Trail at Ham Wall, you will reach the Tor View hide.
Here you can enjoy the stunning views across the marshes to Glastonbury Tor.
In wintertime you should hang around until dusk to see the starlings and their spectacular displays as they gather to roost in the reedbeds.
The starling roost shifts on a regular basis, so it is best to call the RSPB Starling Hotline (07866 554142) before you go to find out where the birds were roosting on the previous day.
Heritage Trails
The Avalon Marshes were a vital resource for local communities. As a result, many footpaths, droves and lanes link these communities to the marshes.
These are ideal for walking, and the Avalon Marshes Project has developed a series of Circular Heritage Walking Routes which help you fully explore the area.
These walks will take you to some great views, fascinating heritage, and local villages.
Cool Places to Explore: Glastonbury Tor | Wells Cathedral | Cheddar Gorge | Quantock Hills AONB.