Wildlife in Somerset

[ChasCreek]

We are taking a weeks break about a mile away from Cheddar Gorge in a week or so.

Has anyone got any recommendations for places to go in the area for a spot of wildlife watching while we are down there? It isn't an area that I know that well.

[ChrisJB]

Go to Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, on the Somerset Levels, to the south of Cheddar. It's a fabulous reserve and with a bit of patience, you have a really good chance of seeing Otters there, from the hides.

Regards, Chris

[kshotton45]

Huntspill is not far from Cheddar. It's a widlife rescue centre. You can have a good day out here and you should be able to see some of their Badgers.

Keith.

Secret World wildlife rescue : contact us, maps

[peppermint]

I like Blagdon lake near Blagdon and Chew valley lake not too far east of Blagdon lake. Both a few miles north of cheddar. Worth a visit if you are in the area. If you look on a map you cant miss them as they are pretty big lakes.

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by ChasCreek

We are taking a weeks break about a mile away from Cheddar Gorge in a week or so.

Has anyone got any recommendations for places to go in the area for a spot of wildlife watching while we are down there? It isn't an area that I know that well.

Perhaps more for the walker than the dedicated wildlife watcher but on the Mendip 'tops', the disused lead mines at Priddy and Charterhouse both of which include SSSI's are worth visiting, also on the north edge of Mendip Dolbury Warren and Blackdown have spectacular scenary and lots of botanical interest.

see: The wildlife and habitats of Avon


CM

[ChasCreek]

Thanks for the recommendations Chris, kshotton45 and peppermint.

Chris, if I got to see Otters in the wild there it would just about make my decade for me. I have only seen them in places such as the Otter Sanctuary in Derbyshire and of course then it is mainly Asian Otters.

kshotton45 - I haven't seen Badgers in the flesh at all so this would also make the trip a memorable one if we do see them.

[John]

Here are a few links that may help you.

http://www.somersetbirds.uko2.co.uk/
Chard Reservoir - Birdwatching
Isle of Avalon - The Somerset Levels
Avon Wildlife Trust
Somerset Wildlife Trust Welcomes deal on agri-environment schemes - News - Wildlife Trusts Somerset


John

[ChasCreek]

CM we will also be doing a fair amount of walking as well, and I realised after I posted that walking / hiking suggestions would be helpful as well, so thanks for the recommendation.

John thanks for the links I will have a look at those this evening.

[ChrisJB]

Dear Chas,

The hide at Shapwick is called Noah Hide. Park near the Peat Moors Centre and ask one of the reserve staff, where the leaflets are pinned up outside. I was in the area and was told the hide was a good place to see Otters. I was sceptical to say the least, but after half an hour watching with the binoculars, two swam right in front of the hide! Made my decade too. The sighting was at about half 9 AM. The reserve is a good place for Hobbies too.

Regards, Chris