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RSPB Ham Wall Nature Reserve

RSPB Ham Wall Nature Reserve, Ashcott Road, Meare, Nr Glastonbury, BA6 9SX

Tel: +44 (0)1458 860 494

Add RSPB Ham Wall Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

Owl at RSPB Ham Wall Nature Reserve

About

Discover a placing teaming with amazing wildlife, panoramic views and the sounds of the reeds swaying in the wind at Ham Wall. You might be lucky enough to see or hear secretive bitterns, stunning great white egrets, elusive otters, swimming water voles, chorusing Iberian water frogs, hunting barn owls or skittish roe deer which all call this place home. Discover the sights and sounds of this magical wetland, created by the RSPB when peat extraction ended on this site. Enjoy the stunning views across the marshes to Glastonbury Tor and follow secluded paths through the mystical landscape.

Each season brings a different experience in spring bird song fills the air and fledglings can be seen making their first hop, flit and fly into the world while in late autumn and winter at dusk the sky is filled with swirling masses of birds feeding or coming into roost in the reeds until dawn when they erupt out of the reeds – an experience not to be missed! Icy weather in the winter can be the best time to see otters as they frolic and skid across the ice. Ham Wall provides an unforgettable day out for the whole family no matter the season.

Check out their range of regular events for new days to discover the reserve and all the amazing wildlife that makes it home here. Events include special canoe safaris, spooky Halloween trails, guided walks and a children’s summer events programme.

A small Info Point providing information is open most weekdays and every weekend from 10 am – 4 pm.

A small take-away selling a limited selection of hot and cold drinks, pre-packaged snacks (flapjacks, cookies and crisps) and ice creams, is open most weekdays, subject to volunteer availability, and every weekend from 10am – 4pm. Card Payment preferred.

All the birds, animals and this amazing landscape is here because the RSPB and its partners in the Avalon Marshes are giving nature a home in this special place.

The RSPB is a charity and we rely on support from people like you.

Dogs on a short lead are welcome on the main reserve path and public footpath (Ham Wall loop) only.

Book Tickets

Opening Times

Open (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

* Car Park and Toilets are open
5am-6.30pm, 1 November-31 January.
5am-8pm, 1 February-31 March.
5am-10pm, 1 April-30 August.
5am-8pm, 1 September-31 October.
£3 all day. Card payment only. RSPB Members park for free. Please display your membership card on your dashboard.
An alternative car park managed by Natural England at Ashcott Corner is open outside of these times.

Info Point
Small information point providing Information is open most weekdays and every weekend from 10am – 4pm.

Take-away Refreshments
Small take-away selling limited selection of hot and cold drinks, prepacked snacks (flapjacks, cookies and crisps) and ice creams is open most weekdays, subject to volunteer availability, and every weekend from 10am – 4pm.

Further Information

Accessibility

  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Ramp/Level Access
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Catering

  • On-Site café/restaurant - Small takeaway selling teas, coffee, hot chocolate, water, fruit juice, cookies, crisps, flapjacks and ice cream.

Establishment Features

  • Toilets

Key Features

  • In countryside

Parking & Transport

  • Parking On Site - 150 spaces. Parking charges apply. Free for RSPB members and Blue Badge Holders otherwise £3 all day.

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      136
    • Very Good
      45
    • Average
      3
    • Poor
      0
    • Terrible
      0

    Recent Reviews:

    • David T
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Great place for a walk great place to see birds
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 8th April 2023
      RSPB have ensured that this is good for seasoned and novice bird watchers, walkers, and those out for a gentle stroll. Habitat had many a wild bird including Egrets, lesser cormorants and many... Read full review
    • Steve D
      Caerleon, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Great reserve
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 6th May 2023
      We visited in April and had a great time. If you like birds this is the place to go, with a huge variety present. The highlights for me was the numerous marsh harriers and the booming bitterns. The... Read full review
    • markeB2334ID
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Lovely spot
      4 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 2nd August 2023
      Stopped off for a walk. Lovely spot to wander and watch the butterflies and birds. Toilets and "cafe" in the car park. Followed the red route which was supposed to be a loop but completely unclear... Read full review

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