Animals and Nature

Nature reserve in Somerset near Bridgwater, wildlife, otter, deer and hares as well as birds.
One of the country’s largest new wetland reserves lies to the east of Hinkley Point, created by the Environment Agency to defend villages inland as sea levels rise. Managed by The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT), Steart Marshes have the added benefit of providing rare saltmarsh habitat and attracting wildlife. Since its completion, avocets have bred on the reserve and it has been visited by glossy ibis, spoonbill and ringed plover. Water voles and otters are resident as are the cattle and sheep that graze there. A network of paths lead you round the reserve, to the River Parrett and Combwich village.

Hundreds of hectares of new saltmarsh and freshwater habitats have been created at the Steart Peninsula. Demonstrating how wetlands work for wildlife and people.   Thousands of waders and wildfowl flock to the site, particularly in the winter.  The site is a haven for wildlife including Roe deer, Otters and Brown hare. 

Admission is FREE to this nature reserve.

Open all year round: car parks and paths for walkers, cyclists, mobility scooters and horse riders, subject to a few local restrictions

Dogs are welcome on most paths but must be kept under close control at all times. There are no dog waste or litter bins on site, so please take all your rubbish home with you.

Paths: It takes about an hour to walk from the main car park to the breach point.

Follow way-marking to fine-surfaced paths allowing access on foot, some by wheelchair and most by bike.  There is also a 5km circular bridleway and part of the England Coastal Path crosses the site.

Tide times: The rising tide along the Severn Estuary rapidly covers great distances.  Watch this amazing natural process from safe vantage points across the site.

Fancy a cuppa? There is no cafe on site, but it’s an ideal picnic spot so feel free to bring your own refreshments.