Ham Wall RSPB nature reserve

Ham Wall is a RSPB nature reserve within the Somerset Levels and Moors, in area called Avalon Marshes near Glastonbury. It is an internationally recognised wetland and reedbed habitat covering around 469 acres, attracting many different species of nesting birds, including Cetti’s warbler, great-crested grebes and bitterns, along with other wildlife such as water voles, otters, butterflies and dragonflies.

The wildlife to be seen at this time of year will be mainly birds, as it is a little early for most butterflies and dragonflies. The are several view points and a couple of hides within the reserve that look over the reedbeds and wetlands which offer good photo opportunities, the hides more than the view points.

At the time of writing there are no amenities other than a car park, although there are plans to build toilets.

This reserve also links with Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve which is managed by Natural England, and there a couple of hides within a reasonable distance.

Although I did not physically see the bitterns, I did for the first time hear their booming call several times on the walk around the reserve. No joy in spotting the water voles though.

Here is a selection of the wildlife sighted on the day of our visit

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

Olympus OM-D EM-5 DSLR & Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 APO DG lens at F6.3.

Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)

Olympus OM-D EM-5 DSLR & Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 APO DG lens at F6.3.

and a Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) singing

Olympus OM-D EM-5 DSLR & Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 APO DG lens at F6.3

Here is a panorama shot to give you an idea of the habitat.

Olympus OM-D EM-5 DSLR & Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 APO DG lens at F6.3.

 

Link to RSPB web page for more information.

 

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