Nature watch: Somerset Levels

The Somerset Levels is a major stronghold for the beautiful and beleaguered otter, bittern and marsh harrier. Local Rambler Ken Burgess reveals the best places to spot them and when…

There are three characteristics of the Somerset Levels that can make planning a walk quite challenging, according to Ken Burgess of Taunton Deane Ramblers. “It’s flat, full of straight lines and made up of a lot of water which rises and falls quite sharply. But on the other hand, you can see for miles, it’s all very accessible and the natural history is superb.”
Bounded by the Mendip Hills to the north, the Somerset Levels is one of the lowest and flattest areas of England; a shallow peat basin seldom more than 8m/25ft high that forms a vast grazing marsh, popular with wading birds such as whimbrel, snipe and lapwing. It’s divided into narrow fields by drainage ditches known as rhynes, which provide a valuable habitat for insects and invertebrates such as dragonflies, spiders and water snails, as well as more than 80 types of water beetle.
“Wetlands offer a great variety of habitats including marsh, heath and carr (flooded woodland), which support a wide range of wildlife. For me, the highlights are hearing the booming of a bittern and seeing marsh harriers glide over the reedbeds, as well as a chance to glimpse an otter,” says Ken.
Reedbeds are a special feature of low-lying wetlands, and one of the largest restoration projects in Britain is taking place at the RSPB’s Ham Wall reserve, specifically to encourage returning bitterns; but bearded tits, marsh harriers and various warblers are all present. For otters, go to Shapwick Heath, where there are six public hides – Mere Heath and Decoy are supposed to be the best ones for a successful otter spot.
“It’s not unusual for the wetlands to be flooded,” warns Ken, “but despite this, the Levels are a great place to explore on foot. The nature reserves have a network of easy paths and trails. And at Shapwick Heath, make sure to walk some of the Sweet Track – an elevated wooden walkway across the swamps built around 6,000 years ago.”

Where to find out more
For more, see www.somersetwildlife.org or check out Rambling in Somerset by Taunton Deane Ramblers – a new guidebook available at a discounted £5 + p&p to Ramblers members at www.tauntonramblers.org.uk

Click on the image below for our pictoral guide to wildlife in the Somerset Levels, from walk Spring 2010.