Catcott Complex Nature Reserves, The Somerset Levels
Forming part of the Avalon Marshes on the Somerset Levels, Catcott Nature Reserve is an area of wildlife rich habitats that include wetlands, traditional hay meadows, wet woodland and wet grazing marsh and fens. If you appreciate nature and peace and quiet, this is a wonderful place for a stroll anytime of year - the sense of tranquillity is immense, there are views of Glastonbury Tor, and you never know what you might spot as you amble through Catcott Lows or Catcott Heath - the two areas that make up the reserve.
Catcott Nature Reserve is known for the wildfowl that come here in large numbers in the winter, so it's worth taking your binoculars; you might see flocks of shelduck, gadwall, pintail and shoveller, or wading birds like egret, lapwing and snipe. Warblers can be heard in the reed beds, the ditches and ponds are home to great crested newts, diving beetles, dragonflies and damsel flies - it really is a nature lover's delight.
There are walking trails around open water and reed beds, and along boardwalks, with one that's accessible by wheelchair leading to a bird hide. Some of the paths are all-weather, others can get rather muddy after rain. Other things to know are that certain areas are grazed by cattle and ponies in late summer and autumn, and that assistance dogs only are allowed on the reserve.
Tie in your stroll with a bite to eat at The Crown at Catcott or The Duck at Burtle.
All information correct at the time of writing