RSPB Ham Wall

RSPB Ham Wall is an excellent nature reserve run by the RSPB, in both the natural habitat that it provides, and the visitor facilities that are present.

With many hides, blinds and viewing platforms, there is ample space for visitors to explore the site and find a new place to comfortably observe the spectacular nature that Ham Wall is home to. The most impressive of these facilities is the Avalon hide, which is a large structure which has been built to give panoramic views above the reeds over the northern side of the reserve.

Whilst at Ham Wall, you can expect to see the usual suspects of wetland habitats in southern England such as kingfisher, ducks, geese, herons and egrets (large and small), it's the birds of prey that stand out as common visitors. marsh harriers are often seen flying above the reed beds looking for prey, or hobbies catching dragon flies from the air, and barn owls hunting for food for their chicks during the summer months.

As well as the bird species Ham Wall is also home to water mammals such as otter and water vole, as well as grass snakes and adders.

Please note that access to the upper level of the Avalon hide requires travelling up a set of stairs, which may not be accessible for people with reduced mobility. For people unable to access the upper level of the hide there is also a screen surrounding the hide with a massive number of viewing windows across the wetland in all directions, but depending on the time of year that you visit, you may find your view obscured by the tall reeds. Due to the path to the hide being flat but very uneven, it will be difficult for wheelchair users to access.

For the rest of the site, there is plenty of hides and viewing platforms which are accessible for people with reduced mobility, though the further away from the car park you get, the harder the access becomes. If you are in a wheelchair, then we would recommend you stay on the southern side of the Glastonbury canal where the paths are much smoother.

The car park is quite large with plenty of space for visitors. It is pay and display, but is free for RSPB members.