Five Somerset Nature Reserves to Visit
It’s no secret that Somerset has some of the most stunning landscapes in the South West. But with one national park, three areas of outstanding natural beauty and countless smaller nature reserves, the county isn’t just scenic – it’s a haven for wildlife too.
From the marshes and beaches along the Somerset coast to the hills and gorges inland, this varied part of the world is one of the most exciting spots to see Britain’s native wildlife. We’ve compiled a list of five of our favourite wild places to explore in Somerset – see how many of these Somerset nature reserves you’ve already visited and which you’ll be exploring on your next trip to the South West…
Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve, Westhay
Hop into a hide, stroll through the Somerset Levels or head out on a geocaching adventure
Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve is a very special spot. Set a short distance from the peaceful village of Westhay and five miles from the thriving market town of Glastonbury, the reserve is set in a former peat-digging area that has been restored to become a haven for wildlife.
Head here to see the largest surviving expanse of lowland acid mire in the South West and to inspect rare species of moss that are rarely found elsewhere. If you’re interested in birdlife, bring a pocket guide and some binoculars and hop into any of the reserve's several hides – with patience (and a bit of luck) you may see rare bitterns (or at least hear their booming call), great white egrets and marsh harriers.
Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve is also an excellent place to bring the kids for muddy walks in wellies or for geocaching – the Somerset Wildlife Trust has set up a number of virtual treasure hunting routes, so you’re sure to find something right for you.
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Quants Wood, Taunton
See butterflies and bats on the edge of the Blackdown Hills
Set six miles to the south of Taunton on the northern edge of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this 34-acre nature reserve is perhaps best known for its thriving bat and butterfly population. Butterfly species that can often be found here include Duke of Burgundy, marsh fritillary and wood white.
Quants Wood has an intriguing mixture of habitats and is made up mostly of ancient woodland, lowland heath and lime-rich grasslands.
Walking here is not for the faint-hearted: the land is steep and in many places wet because of nearby natural springs. The result, though, is a unique wildlife-rich wet woodland which is usually relatively quiet for walkers.
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Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, Glastonbury
A large heath adjoining several other nature reserves in the Avalon Marshes
Shapwick Heath is a seriously diverse nature reserve deep in the Avalon Marshes area of Somerset. This 500-hectare site has oodles of quiet corners for nature spotting, with habitats ranging from wildflower meadows to secluded fens and rustling reed beds.
Over 60 different species of birds nest here, and there are several hides – including an architect-designed tower hide – spread around key locations where experienced birdwatchers and newcomers can observe them unobtrusively.
Another big plus of Shapwick Heath is its ease of access. The reserve has two car parks of its own, can be easily cycled to from Glastonbury via the Bittern Trail bike path and adjoins other nature reserves like RSPB Ham Wall. Handily, Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve is very close by too and both reserves can easily be visited in a single day.
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Tarr Steps Woodland National Nature Reserve, Dulverton
See an ancient bridge and explore wild woodlands in Exmoor national park
Tarr Steps near Dulverton in Exmoor National Park is one of the most recognisable of our picks so far thanks to its ancient ‘clapper bridge’, a free-standing stone crossing that uses ancient technology to span the river Barle. Many come here to just relax by the water’s edge, but in the woodland beyond there are several spectacular circular walks through habitats teeming with wildlife.
Adjoining Tarr Steps, the wild heathland of Winsford Hill has further opportunities for rambles, birdwatching and spotting Exmoor’s iconic wild ponies.
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Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve, Wells
See dramatic limestone rocks and caves at a Somerset hidden gem
Often known as Cheddar Gorge’s little brother, Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve has an exceptional limestone landscape set deep in the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This combination of woodlands, dramatic rocks, caves and small streams where the kids can paddle is all easily accessible thanks to a good-sized free car park.
Visitors here can reach the top of the gorge via a footpath or after a short scramble and will be rewarded with far-reaching views over the Mendips. A day trip to Ebbor Gorge is also easy to combine with a visit to Wookey Hole Caves or the cathedral city of Wells a few miles down the road.
Camp in the Mendip Hills near the gorges at Ebbor and Cheddar
Looking for wildlife by the coast? Check out our list of Somerset’s best swimming spots and Somerset's top dog-friendly beaches for some inspiration.
Eager to wander further afield? You might also like our list of places to walk in Somerset.