Rspb Ham Wall

On sale now!
Fantastic soil conditioner produced at Ham Wall. The conditioner is made from reed and other vegetation that the team cuts and collects on site when managing the reedbeds. This reed and vegetation breaks down over a number of months and becomes a locally produced, soil conditioner that you can use on your garden – and it’s peat free!
By producing this lovely soil conditioner, not only does it mean we can avoid burning the cut vegetation but the money raised from... sales goes towards our conservation work and helps us save even more nature – a win-win situation!
If you want some of our fantastic soil conditioner it’s available for £4 per bag. Please ask at the Welcome Building in the Ham Wall car park
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Nature is great for our well-being. Why not combine it with a spiritual Yoga session at our amazing Ham Wall nature reserve as we reach mid summer.
Lead by a British Wheel trained yoga teacher practices Hatha Yoga this is a perfect way to spend a summers evening in beautiful surroundings
Booking essential... RSPB members £9.60 / Non RSPB members £12
All bookings and further information are available online through Eventbrite (please note booking charges apply)
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Dawn Chorus Walk - Swell Wood Sunday 6 May 6.30 am – 8.30 am
Join us on International Dawn Chorus Day at Swell Wood to listen to the incredible sounds of the... woodland birds in all their spring glory.
Booking essential. £4.80 RSPB member / £6 non-member £2.40 child member / £3 child non-member (Suitable for ages 10+)
All booking is through eventbrite Please note booking charges apply
6:30 am –8:30 am
Photo Credit: John Crispin
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Join us on International Dawn Chorus Day to listen to the incredible sounds of the song birds of Ham Wall in all their spring glory. If we are lucky we may get a glimpse of a cuckoo or hear eerie booming of the bitterns as they look for a mate.
Booking essential.
£4.80 RSPB member / £6 non-member ... £2.40 child member / £3 child non-member /
All booking is through eventbrite Please note booking charges apply
6 am –9 am
Photo Credit: John Bridges (RSPBimages.com)
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Little Bitterns - Nature Tots at RSPB Ham Wall
Discover, Learn and Play with your little one - an event for children aged 2 - 5 and their grown ups!
Enjoy and explore nature with us as we play outdoor games, sing songs and listen to a story. A juice box is provided for participants during story time.
... Under 2's and over 5's are welcome but will not be able to take part in activities. Parents are responsible for supervision of their children at all times.
Please dress appropriately for the weather - it could be sunhats, welly boots or both! We will be outside whatever the weather.
Themes: 12 April - Sounds of Spring 3 May - Pond-demonium 7 June - Fabulous Flowers 5 July - Marvelous Mini Beasts 2 August - Beautiful Butterflies 27 September - Tree-rific Trees
Please note that dogs are not permitted at this event.
Cost: £4 per RSPB child member £5 per non-RSPB child member Please note car parking fees apply for non-members. RSPB members display your RSPB card on the car dashboard.
Times: 10:30 am - 11:30 am on the dates above. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the session at the Welcome Building for a prompt start at 10:30 am.
No need to book - Just turn up!
For more information please contact the Ham Wall Office at ham.wall@rspb.org.uk
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Reminder that voting for Ham Wall as Nature Reserve of the year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine awards closes tonight. So if you haven't voted already (or convinced all your friends, family, the postman, everyone you know) don't delay and case your vote now.
We really need YOUR help and YOUR support to win Please help us by casting your vote for RSPB Ham Wall at: http://bit.ly/VoteHamWall
Voting closes just before midnight on Sunday 17th February (TONIGHT).
... Thank you 😀
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Here's this week's sightings blog from RSPB Ham Wall. Spring has sprung just a little nearer...http://bit.ly/2TLNlRY

Show your love for Ham Wall this #Valentines day by voting for us as Nature Reserve of the year in the BBC Countryfile magazine awards at: http://bit.ly/VoteHamWall
Thank you to those of you who have already voted - why not consider sharing this post with your friends and family?
Voting closes just before midnight on Sunday 17th February.
... Thank you 😀
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Spend 6 hours from dawn until mid-morning on the reserve discovering the wonders of the Dawn Chorus at RSPB Ham Wall with our wardening team.
Ham Wall is a special place teeming with amazing wildlife, panoramic views and the sound of the reeds swaying in the wind all year round. In spring, as the busy breeding season gets underway, the reserve is alive with the sound of bird song and the eerie boom of the bittern echoing through the air. Join this tour and you could be liste...ning to booming bitterns whilst you enjoy your breakfast out on the heart of the reserve.
The Avalon Marshes are one of, if not the best place in the country to see and hear bittern, with approximately one third of the UK’s population of booming male being recorded here in 2018. Bittern are just one of the five heron species you might see in a day at Ham Wall – great white egret are now a regular fixture, cattle egret bred here in 2017 (the first time on an RSPB reserve), grey herons nest in the reeds and little egrets can be seen fishing around the edges. Marsh harriers will be busy nest building and the dawn chorus will be in full swing around the reserve.
Not only will you be seeing some of fantastic wildlife that Ham Wall has to offer but you will also discover the work the staff and volunteer team undertakes managing, surveying and protecting this special landscape. This is your chance to go behinds the scenes on areas of the reserve to areas not normally accessible to visitors. All of this makes for an unmissable experience so why not book your place on this exclusive tour (numbers are limited) to join our wardening team today.
What makes ‘Walks with Wardens at Ham Wall’ unique?
- Gain access to one of the UK’s best wildlife spots and RSPB reserves including areas normally inaccessible to visitors. - You will be led by expert local guides, who also happen to be the very people responsible for managing, surveying and protecting this wonderful landscape. - Learn about why and how we manage sites for wildlife too. - Profits go straight back in to wildlife conservation, right back in to the place you’ve visited.
Cost per person: RSPB Member: £80 (includes cooked breakfast) Non RSPB Member: £100 (includes cooked breakfast) Suitable for ages 16 + All booking through Eventbrite - please note that booking fees apply.
For further details please see the Eventbrite page: https://rspbhamwallwalkswithwardensdawnch orus.eventbrite.co…
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Here's latest sightings blog from Ham Wall - lots of amazing photos this week: http://bit.ly/2E1yWfb

Join us at RSPB Swell Wood as we enable you to unwind from daily stressors, relax and connect back to nature all over again.
Forest Bathing +, is a unique experience and a beautiful way to immerse yourself in the woodland. Learn about the health and well-being benefits of spending time under the canopy of trees, with our expert partner Holistic Healing Therapy.
Forest Bathing + is the practise of bathing all the senses whilst taking in the forest atmosphere, it’s a slow pract...ise, guiding you through a series of gentle steps designed to restore you both mentally and physically. Regular forest bathing has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduces stress, improve empathy and creativity and can help to boost your immune system!
Dates: Sunday May 26th: 09:30 - 12:30 Saturday July 27th: 09:30 - 12:30 Sunday September 29th: 09:30 - 12:30
Cost (Inclusive of booking fees): £20 RSPB Member - Adult £25 Non- RSPB Member - Adult
These events are aimed at adults 18+ only and are not open to those under the age of 18. We hope to be able to provide Forest Bathing session for children in the future.
Medical conditions/prescribed medications/pregnancy:
We advise those who are pregnant to abstain from these events. If you have any medical conditions, are on a prescribed medication, or have any concerns, please, see your GP and inform him/her about attending.
If you currently experience or have a history of serious health issues (including mental health issues, operations, medical procedures, seizures, implants, special needs), please, inform us before the event.
Toilet Facility’s: Please note that there are no toilet facilities on site. The nearest public toilets are located in Langport at Whatley car park.
Photo Credit: RSPB Staff
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With fifty male booming bitterns recorded last year, the Avalon Marshes is one of the best places in the country to find this shy and elusive bird.
Join us on an early morning walk to come and listen to the eerie booming of the bitterns as they look for a mate.
RSPB members £4 / Non members £6... RSPB child members £2 / Non member child £3
Booking essential.
All booking is through eventbrite Please note booking charges apply
6 am –9 am
Photo Credit: John Crispin
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If you missed the news we are very excited to have been nominated in the BBC Countryfile Magazine awards as Nature Reserve of the Year for the second year running. This year the reserve turns 25 so it would be a fantastic birthday gift for the reserve to win.
But we really need YOUR help and YOUR support to win and make this birthday wish come true! Please help us by casting your vote for RSPB Ham Wall at: http://bit.ly/VoteHamWall and sharing this post.
Voting closes just... before midnight on Sunday 17th February.
Thank you 😀
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On sale today!!! Don't miss your chance to own one of these fantastic anniversary pin badges for yourself!
Available for a suggested donation of £2 between 10 am and 4 pm from our Welcome Building.
Don't worry if you can't get to the reserve today the pin badges will be on sale in the Welcome Building as long as stocks last.
... #WorldwetlandsDay #HamWall25
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Did you catch the news in our Vlog this morning about a special pin badge flying into Ham Wall tomorrow?
Tomorrow on World Wetlands Day (Feb 2nd) we are launching our limited edition pin badge to celebrate Ham Walls 25th anniversary. That's right Ham Wall turns 25 this year!
The pin badges will be available in our Welcome Building, while stocks last, for a suggested donation of £2.
... So don't delay if you want to get one of these special pin badges for yourself!
#HamWall25
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The Welcome Building is closed today (Friday) due to the adverse weather. The car park, toilets and reserve remain open as usual. If you are planning to visit the reserve please check local forecasts.

In this months vlog we talk about shovelers, what we do with big piles of reed cuttings and our 25th Anniversary Pin Badge (on sale tomorrow - 2nd Feb 2019).
What is the wild challenge: http://bit.ly/2lDQoMC
Wild Weather: http://bit.ly/2TsA3cF
... BBC Cloud Guide: https://bbc.in/2GRssCN
FB Events: http://bit.ly/HMWevents
#HamWall25
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Volunteer leaders Bob and Giles led a great morning on the "Mr Boombastic" event today. Such a lovely place, whether you go to an organised event or just a stroll I highly recommend a visit.

The most wonderful place to connect with nature and feel at one with the world. I love it! The peace, tranquility and wealth of birds, and animals and all in a beautiful landscape. Splendid!

Splendid location for all ages and abilities, RSPB Hamwall is a great day out for walkers, cyclists, Birdwatchers, and of course photographers. People are very friendly and happy to share knowledge and little nuggets of info to allow you to learn and get the most out of your visit. A visit that will be memorable regardless of the time of year.

So well managed. The biodiversity here is amazing reflecting the massive conservation effort that has been invested in the area. The enthusiasm and helpfulness of the volunteers at the information centre greatly enhance a visit to the Avalon marshes

Only visited a few times but each has been better than the last! Never thought I’d be able to sit in one place and see 2 species of owl at the same time and they are living in such close proximity to each other m! Well done RSPB

My local (big) nature reserve. Personally I´m not interested in the wading type birds it´s the raptors and woodland birds that I like. Gets very busy when the starling murmurations happen but during a week day the place is far less busy. Take 3 quid for the car park or join the RSPB. Avalon hide is a bit messy but blame the residents - barn owls use it as a dining room. Winter - flask of coffee and decent footwear. Summer - carry a drink with you as you´ll be walking a mile or two. Happy days. I´ve only got a relatively cheap camera and telephoto lens yet I still get some nice shots of the wildlife. Still hoping to snap an otter though!

Lovely day on our first visit to Ham Wall. Some good spots, good walking and a great guded walk led by two very knowledgeable volunteers which ended with the amazing starlings coming into roost. Thank you

Late arrival as usual (we're not good at early starts!), but two hours was enough to see some great crested grebe sex, a pair of hunting marsh Harriers and one of our best ever views of bitterns - two of them taking turns to climb up some reeds to get a good take off.

I arrived to see the starlings, but many people had had the same idea! As a photographer I was keen to get away, as I didn't want anyone in my shots. I found the lake hideout. It felt special. The beautiful sunset and the atmosphere was lovely and to share it with very few, it felt like I had been selected!

I am local so i visit often, its a place to be at peace with nature and wildlife, its interesting to watch things change with the seasons, but Summer is the best time for me, and it never disapoints.

First visit this week on recommendation and it is a great place - really gets you out into the landscape

First time ever that I’ve seen an otter in the wild. A magical place and a brilliant walk round this evening

Fabulous early morning watching the Starlings, followed by a lovely frosty walk for a couple of hours around the reedbeds and hides. It's clean and well kept and information boards to help you identify the different birds. Wonderful place for kids and grown ups alike. Lucky to have this place on my doorstep.

Every year we visit; we are stunned by the number and increasing variety of birds we see. As the Somerset Levels are flat, the skies are huge and yesterday we enjoyed 49 hobbys hawking insects. 61 species for a few hours, not bad.

Having a chat with Simon King too, well that was a bonus!

Been twice this week. Marsh Harriers put on great displays. Saw the Glossy Ibis both days. Fabulous photos of these and lots of other birds. Highlight for me were good clear photos of a Cetti's Warbler. I've been trying for years and now I've got some!

Great place

Been coming to this amazing place for many years now. Have had the privilege to see it blossom into one of the best reserves in the country, this, thanks to the tireless efforts of the friendly, knowledgable and dedicated staff, along with their army of volunteers. If you have not visited, then come, I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Beautiful Reserve with good parking and user friendly paths. We saw plenty of nature and the reeds were low enough to see past them. Nice touch having refreshments on site. Good toilets. Spotted on our walk, dragonflies, damselflies, egrets, coromorants, black headed gulls, mallards and ducklings, swans and cygnets, Greater crested grebes and their young, moorhens and their chicks, Canadian geese and we heard bittern. The children always love it.

A great reserve and always something to see.Staff are freindly and helpful,the reserve is well maintained with good access for abled people as well as those who need a wheelchair.

A beautifully kept reserve, showing off the magic of the levels. Great for ornithologists as well as people just wanting to enjoy a lovely walk along the levels with wonderful views of Glastonbury tor. Often has friendly,knowledgeable, volunteers on site. Loos and refreshments available.

Volunteer leaders Bob and Giles led a great morning on the "Mr Boombastic" event today. Such a lovely place, whether you go to an organised event or just a stroll I highly recommend a visit.

The most wonderful place to connect with nature and feel at one with the world. I love it! The peace, tranquility and wealth of birds, and animals and all in a beautiful landscape. Splendid!

Splendid location for all ages and abilities, RSPB Hamwall is a great day out for walkers, cyclists, Birdwatchers, and of course photographers. People are very friendly and happy to share knowledge and little nuggets of info to allow you to learn and get the most out of your visit. A visit that will be memorable regardless of the time of year.

So well managed. The biodiversity here is amazing reflecting the massive conservation effort that has been invested in the area. The enthusiasm and helpfulness of the volunteers at the information centre greatly enhance a visit to the Avalon marshes

Only visited a few times but each has been better than the last! Never thought I’d be able to sit in one place and see 2 species of owl at the same time and they are living in such close proximity to each other m! Well done RSPB

My local (big) nature reserve. Personally I´m not interested in the wading type birds it´s the raptors and woodland birds that I like. Gets very busy when the starling murmurations happen but during a week day the place is far less busy. Take 3 quid for the car park or join the RSPB. Avalon hide is a bit messy but blame the residents - barn owls use it as a dining room. Winter - flask of coffee and decent footwear. Summer - carry a drink with you as you´ll be walking a mile or two. Happy days. I´ve only got a relatively cheap camera and telephoto lens yet I still get some nice shots of the wildlife. Still hoping to snap an otter though!

Lovely day on our first visit to Ham Wall. Some good spots, good walking and a great guded walk led by two very knowledgeable volunteers which ended with the amazing starlings coming into roost. Thank you

Late arrival as usual (we're not good at early starts!), but two hours was enough to see some great crested grebe sex, a pair of hunting marsh Harriers and one of our best ever views of bitterns - two of them taking turns to climb up some reeds to get a good take off.

I arrived to see the starlings, but many people had had the same idea! As a photographer I was keen to get away, as I didn't want anyone in my shots. I found the lake hideout. It felt special. The beautiful sunset and the atmosphere was lovely and to share it with very few, it felt like I had been selected!

I am local so i visit often, its a place to be at peace with nature and wildlife, its interesting to watch things change with the seasons, but Summer is the best time for me, and it never disapoints.

First visit this week on recommendation and it is a great place - really gets you out into the landscape

First time ever that I’ve seen an otter in the wild. A magical place and a brilliant walk round this evening

Fabulous early morning watching the Starlings, followed by a lovely frosty walk for a couple of hours around the reedbeds and hides. It's clean and well kept and information boards to help you identify the different birds. Wonderful place for kids and grown ups alike. Lucky to have this place on my doorstep.

Every year we visit; we are stunned by the number and increasing variety of birds we see. As the Somerset Levels are flat, the skies are huge and yesterday we enjoyed 49 hobbys hawking insects. 61 species for a few hours, not bad.

Having a chat with Simon King too, well that was a bonus!

Been twice this week. Marsh Harriers put on great displays. Saw the Glossy Ibis both days. Fabulous photos of these and lots of other birds. Highlight for me were good clear photos of a Cetti's Warbler. I've been trying for years and now I've got some!

Great place

Been coming to this amazing place for many years now. Have had the privilege to see it blossom into one of the best reserves in the country, this, thanks to the tireless efforts of the friendly, knowledgable and dedicated staff, along with their army of volunteers. If you have not visited, then come, I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Beautiful Reserve with good parking and user friendly paths. We saw plenty of nature and the reeds were low enough to see past them. Nice touch having refreshments on site. Good toilets. Spotted on our walk, dragonflies, damselflies, egrets, coromorants, black headed gulls, mallards and ducklings, swans and cygnets, Greater crested grebes and their young, moorhens and their chicks, Canadian geese and we heard bittern. The children always love it.

A great reserve and always something to see.Staff are freindly and helpful,the reserve is well maintained with good access for abled people as well as those who need a wheelchair.

A beautifully kept reserve, showing off the magic of the levels. Great for ornithologists as well as people just wanting to enjoy a lovely walk along the levels with wonderful views of Glastonbury tor. Often has friendly,knowledgeable, volunteers on site. Loos and refreshments available.

Volunteer leaders Bob and Giles led a great morning on the "Mr Boombastic" event today. Such a lovely place, whether you go to an organised event or just a stroll I highly recommend a visit.

The most wonderful place to connect with nature and feel at one with the world. I love it! The peace, tranquility and wealth of birds, and animals and all in a beautiful landscape. Splendid!

Splendid location for all ages and abilities, RSPB Hamwall is a great day out for walkers, cyclists, Birdwatchers, and of course photographers. People are very friendly and happy to share knowledge and little nuggets of info to allow you to learn and get the most out of your visit. A visit that will be memorable regardless of the time of year.

So well managed. The biodiversity here is amazing reflecting the massive conservation effort that has been invested in the area. The enthusiasm and helpfulness of the volunteers at the information centre greatly enhance a visit to the Avalon marshes

Only visited a few times but each has been better than the last! Never thought I’d be able to sit in one place and see 2 species of owl at the same time and they are living in such close proximity to each other m! Well done RSPB

My local (big) nature reserve. Personally I´m not interested in the wading type birds it´s the raptors and woodland birds that I like. Gets very busy when the starling murmurations happen but during a week day the place is far less busy. Take 3 quid for the car park or join the RSPB. Avalon hide is a bit messy but blame the residents - barn owls use it as a dining room. Winter - flask of coffee and decent footwear. Summer - carry a drink with you as you´ll be walking a mile or two. Happy days. I´ve only got a relatively cheap camera and telephoto lens yet I still get some nice shots of the wildlife. Still hoping to snap an otter though!

Lovely day on our first visit to Ham Wall. Some good spots, good walking and a great guded walk led by two very knowledgeable volunteers which ended with the amazing starlings coming into roost. Thank you

Late arrival as usual (we're not good at early starts!), but two hours was enough to see some great crested grebe sex, a pair of hunting marsh Harriers and one of our best ever views of bitterns - two of them taking turns to climb up some reeds to get a good take off.

I arrived to see the starlings, but many people had had the same idea! As a photographer I was keen to get away, as I didn't want anyone in my shots. I found the lake hideout. It felt special. The beautiful sunset and the atmosphere was lovely and to share it with very few, it felt like I had been selected!

I am local so i visit often, its a place to be at peace with nature and wildlife, its interesting to watch things change with the seasons, but Summer is the best time for me, and it never disapoints.

First visit this week on recommendation and it is a great place - really gets you out into the landscape

First time ever that I’ve seen an otter in the wild. A magical place and a brilliant walk round this evening

Fabulous early morning watching the Starlings, followed by a lovely frosty walk for a couple of hours around the reedbeds and hides. It's clean and well kept and information boards to help you identify the different birds. Wonderful place for kids and grown ups alike. Lucky to have this place on my doorstep.

Every year we visit; we are stunned by the number and increasing variety of birds we see. As the Somerset Levels are flat, the skies are huge and yesterday we enjoyed 49 hobbys hawking insects. 61 species for a few hours, not bad.

Having a chat with Simon King too, well that was a bonus!

Been twice this week. Marsh Harriers put on great displays. Saw the Glossy Ibis both days. Fabulous photos of these and lots of other birds. Highlight for me were good clear photos of a Cetti's Warbler. I've been trying for years and now I've got some!

Great place

Been coming to this amazing place for many years now. Have had the privilege to see it blossom into one of the best reserves in the country, this, thanks to the tireless efforts of the friendly, knowledgable and dedicated staff, along with their army of volunteers. If you have not visited, then come, I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Beautiful Reserve with good parking and user friendly paths. We saw plenty of nature and the reeds were low enough to see past them. Nice touch having refreshments on site. Good toilets. Spotted on our walk, dragonflies, damselflies, egrets, coromorants, black headed gulls, mallards and ducklings, swans and cygnets, Greater crested grebes and their young, moorhens and their chicks, Canadian geese and we heard bittern. The children always love it.

A great reserve and always something to see.Staff are freindly and helpful,the reserve is well maintained with good access for abled people as well as those who need a wheelchair.

A beautifully kept reserve, showing off the magic of the levels. Great for ornithologists as well as people just wanting to enjoy a lovely walk along the levels with wonderful views of Glastonbury tor. Often has friendly,knowledgeable, volunteers on site. Loos and refreshments available.