Bird PlacesHam Wall
Glastonbury, Somerset · RSPB · 2.5 km away
wetland2 hideswheelchair accessibleFree entry
Natural England reserve · Shapwick, Somerset
Shapwick Heath birdwatching guide
Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, managed by Natural England, faces Ham Wall across the old peat railway and completes the Avalon Marshes wetland. Ancient bog oaks, fen meadows and open water attract otters, hobbies and all three UK egret species.
Key facts
- Habitat
- wetland
- Size
- 394 ha
- Entry fee (adult)
- Free
- Entry fee (child)
- Free
- Membership required
- No
- Hides
- 4
- Wheelchair access
- Yes
- Car park
- Yes
- Car park to hides
- 700m on level tracks
- Toilets
- Yes
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Status
- open
- Best seasons
- spring, summer, winter
Species by season
| Season | Species | Likelihood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) | frequent | Booming males in the reedbed from March |
| autumn | Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) | frequent | — |
| winter | Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) | frequent | — |
| winter | Great White Egret (Ardea alba) | common | — |
Getting there
Shapwick Road, Westhay, Shapwick, Somerset, BA6 9TT
View on OpenStreetMap · Official website
Facilities & opening
Open at all times
Frequently asked questions
Can you combine Shapwick Heath with Ham Wall?
Yes — they share the Avalon Marshes car park and one flat path runs through both, making an easy half-day circuit.
Nearby reserves (all organisations)
Explore more
Information last updated 25 July 2026.