Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve (Natural England), WesthayShapwick Heath is a major wetland nature reserve (400ha) of the Somerset Levels and Moors. The reserve is a haven for wildlife and a monument to the history and culture of Neolithic man, who came to this area 6000 years ago and made this their tribal homeland. The once impenetrable swamplands, abundant with fish and fowl, were accessed by our ancestors on the famous 'Sweet Track’; built in 3806BC and still preserved today. Much of the watery wilderness has been created by the restoration of old peat workings and work continues to improve the habitats for wildlife and people.
These fascinating wetlands are internationally important for wintering wildfowl and wading birds, and support at least 64 species of breeding birds including lapwing, grasshopper warbler, nightingale, water rail, garganey and upward of 60 pairs of Cetti's warbler. Bittern are also regular visitors, but have yet to breed. With its complex ditches and waterways, the reserve supports a rich community of both land and water animals, and thriving populations of both water vole and otter.
Web Sitewww.naturalengland.org.uk Further information on Natural England with links to Shapwick webpage. Opening Dates/TimesOpen all year. Site office open during working hours. Additional InformationFamilies | Families welcome. | Pets | Dogs are regrettably not allowed on the nature reserve as they would disturb our resident Otters. | Special Needs | Disabled access facilities including elevated boardwalk at Ashcott Corner car park. Disabled access to two of the observation hides. Disabled toilets at the Peat Moors Centre. | Other Facilities | 2 Car parks - Peat Moors Centre and Ashcott Corner. (2 metre height restrictions at Ashcott Corner)
Make sure you bring waterproof, warm clothing and stout shoes.
|
Contact DetailsNatural England
The Peat Moors Centre
Westhay
Somerset
BA6 9TT Tel: 01458 860120 E-mail: somerset@naturalengland.org.uk How to Find UsTo the Peat Moors Centre Car Park:
From the M5 take the A39 Bridgwater to Glastonbury road, after 6 miles take the minor road signed Shapwick. Enter Shapwick Village and continue north towards Meare. You will see the entrance to the Peat Moors Centre car park on the right after approximately one mile.
To the Ashcott Corner Visitors Car Park:
From the M5 take the A39 Bridgwater to Glastonbury Road for 8 miles until you reach Ashcott. After passing the Albion Inn on your right, take the next left into School Hill. Bear right at the top and this road leads onto the moors. Continue for 3 miles past Church Farm on your right until you reach a metal bridge over a drain. this is Ashcott Corner with the car park entrance on your left. (N.B Entrance has a two metre height restriction). OS Grid Reference: ST 425 415 EventsNo details available - please check back
| 
