RSPB Swell Wood

Swell Wood, managed by the RSPB is most notable for it's heronry and bird hide specially designed to allow you to site back and look high up in to the tree canopy to see the birds as they nest at the top of the trees.

As well as the heronry, swell wood is known for it's carpet of blue bells in the spring, and there are nice walks through the woodland to enjoy what the place has to offer. If you follow the easily traversable (though hilly) Woodland Walk loop trial you will reach a viewing point with a great view over West Sedge Moor and the Somerset levels. The Scarp trial may be a bit more challenging as there are some steep sections which some might struggle with.

Many small woodland birds can be seen in the car park as they take advantage of the bird feeders which have been placed there.

For the more adventurous, just off the woodland trial there is a very rough, twisty, bumpy and very steep in places path down the side of the hill that Swell Wood sits on, and leads you to the beautiful Fivehead wildflower meadow. It is quite a demanding trail so we would not recommend it for anyone who struggles with their movement, but for those who are able, it is definitely worth making the trip in summer when the meadow is in full bloom and full of butterflies and grasshopper.

Also note that the route to Fivehead meadow may be difficult to traverse if the ground is very wet and muddy, so may not be suitable to visit throughout the whole year.

For more detailed information about the accessibility of RSPB Swell Wood, click here.