Bird PlacesAvalon Hide
limitedseats 20
North across the main reedbed
Often seen: Bittern, Great White Egret, Marsh Harrier
RSPB reserve · Glastonbury, Somerset
Ham Wall birdwatching guide
Ham Wall is the centrepiece of the Avalon Marshes, a reedbed built from worked-out peat diggings that now holds one of Britain's densest bittern populations. Great white egrets bred here first in the UK, and winter dusks bring million-strong starling murmurations.
Key facts
- Habitat
- wetland
- Size
- 260 ha
- Entry fee (adult)
- Free
- Entry fee (child)
- Free
- Membership required
- No
- Hides
- 2
- Wheelchair access
- Yes
- Car park
- Yes
- Car park to hides
- 500m on flat former railway path
- Toilets
- Yes
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Status
- open
- Best seasons
- spring, winter
Species by season
| Season | Species | Likelihood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) | common | One of Britain's densest booming populations |
| spring | Great White Egret (Ardea alba) | common | First UK breeding site, 2012 |
| summer | Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) | common | — |
| winter | Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) | frequent | — |
| winter | Great White Egret (Ardea alba) | common | — |
Hides at Ham Wall
Avalon Hide
Getting there
Meare Road, Ashcott, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9SX
View on OpenStreetMap · Official website
Facilities & opening
Open at all times; car park 8am–6pm
Frequently asked questions
When are the starling murmurations at Ham Wall?
Typically late November to February, in the hour before dusk — arrive early as the car park fills fast.
Is Ham Wall wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the main track is a flat former railway line, and both viewing platforms have accessible ramps.
Nearby reserves (all organisations)
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Information last updated 22 June 2026.