somerset area opinions

[diggleken]

I have a week in somerset likely to be due in march - before I decide - anyone with any helpful/critical views on the levels or around glastonbury / wells/weston super mare/burnham/river axe and the little village of biddisham?
Both in general, boozers with good beer and of course wildlife sites!
Very grateful!
Cheers
Ken

[PMG]

We have friends who go to Glastonbury every year and have a fabulous time on the fringe is how I think I shall describe it During the day they walk and search out flowers and orchids and any other wild thing they can to watch and enjoy ......... they come back very laid back

[diggleken]

cheers Pauline - as an ageing hippy, thats my approach too - should be good fun man!
Ken

[ChrisJB]

Do go to Shapwich Heath N.N.R Ken. It's excellent for Otters (early morn from Noah Hide is best). I saw my first one there. For me it also rivals Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk for Cetti's Warblers. I went one April a few years ago and they seemed to sing from every thicket.
Not sure on decent alehouses. I'll check my Good Beer Guide (I'm such an anorak) and get back to you!

Regards, Chris

[deer boy]

I would also say Shapwick is a must especially at fist light the Quantocks & Exmoor are worth a visit as well.

Cheddar isn't to far either

[PMG]

Originally Posted by deer boy

I would also say Shapwick is a must especially at fist light the Quantocks & Exmoor are worth a visit as well.

Cheddar isn't to far either

Yes I was going to say Exmoor too - its a place I love - but March is prob not the best time to go there - but the area between Porlock to Lynton almost - that narrow band north of the moors - squeezed in by the coast - is heavenly in May June .......... maybe worth a scout for a later return tho?

Pauline
(I was almost a hippy - but my mam didn't approve - I did get as far as long hair, bandana round my forehead, hipster flares - and the kids these days think they invented bare bellies ...... LOL!)(but when hotpants came along she drew the line!)

[diggleken]

Thanks all, some good ideas there!
Especially Pauline - reawakened some fond memories of hot pants!
Ken

[Tursiops2]

Did somebody mention Aging Hippies and Glastonbury? That brings back memories. I lived near Glastonbury for a couple of years in the late '70s, did a lot of , but not much birding .

There's been a lot of conservation and mangement done on the Levels since I was there: Shapwick and Westhay Heaths are supposed to be good; the RSPB has reserves at West Sedgemoor, Ham Walls and Greylake; Ebbor Gorge has nice woodlands; North of the Mendips, Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes are always worth a look; and on the coast near Weston, Sand Point can be good for migrants (March is a little early, but you never know).

There's plenty to explore, just follow your instincts!

Enjoy,
T2

[diggleken]

Cheers T2, more good stuff there - looking forward to it!
Ken

[hammock monkey]

Originally Posted by PMG

Yes I was going to say Exmoor too - its a place I love - but March is prob not the best time to go there - but the area between Porlock to Lynton almost - that narrow band north of the moors - squeezed in by the coast - is heavenly in May June .......... maybe worth a scout for a later return tho?

Absolutely!!

I grew up pretty near there, its really beautiful. Further up the coast, Croyd beach is a nice place to be (well I've heard its a bit more touristy now tho)

There are some great pubs out in the sticks, nr M5 jct 26 or so you'll see a monument up on the hills, head towards there. The road up on the hills has several great old pubs. the Merry Harriers is one I spent a night or two in!
There are lots of woods around there that are great for walks, plenty of wildlife to be seen.

cheers