The Avalon Marshes

The Avalon Marshes, a magical wetland landscape, lies at the heart of Somerset’s Levels and Moors. It is nationally important for its rich cultural heritage and diversity of wildlife, with Glastonbury Tor, the Isle of Avalon and some of Britain’s best wetland nature reserves.

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Wetland Wildlife

The Avalon Marshes is part of Somerset’s Levels and Moors, one of the largest lowland wetlands in Britain. It is internationally important for wildlife. See murmurations of starlings; listen to booming bitterns; be enchanted by colourful meadows; watch butterflies and dragonflies; and if you are very lucky glimpse otters at play.

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Meare Fish House in the landscape

10,000 Years

Inhabited since the end of the last ice age, the Avalon Marshes has slowly been reclaimed from the sea and bears the evidence of history. Ancient trackways crossed the marshes in the Stone Age; Iron Age dwellers built lake villages; Romans extracted salt; the medieval period saw the influence of Glastonbury Abbey; the industrial revolution brought canals and railways.

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Isle of Avalon

Mystical Glastonbury is reputed to be the ancient Isle of Avalon.  A thriving town it is home to Glastonbury Abbey and Glastonbury Tor, which looks out over the Avalon Marshes and beyond. Legends abound including King Arthur and his sword Excalibur, and Joseph of Arimethea and the Holy Thorn.

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Kids’ Stuff

Otto looking through reeds

Looking for something a bit different than expensive trips to theme parks?  The Avalon Marshes is a wonderful area to bring the children and let them enjoy nature and heritage at its best.

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Autumn Exploring

Apples

Misty mornings, clear air and changing colours; lots of activity with migrating birds arriving and leaving. Autumn is a lovely time to explore the Avalon Marshes.   Why not pick up one of our cycle leaflets and explore our wonderful area?

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History and Heritage

Glastonbury lake Village

The Avalon Marshes is a landscape of rich resources, not of coal and iron but of food, peat and water.  These give the marshes their special character and have left a wonderful legacy of history and archaeology.

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Wonderful Wildlife

Female Marsh Harrier in flight

The Avalon Marshes is a very special place to see and enjoy wildlife whatever time of year you visit. There are four National Nature Reserves and lots of other areas teeming with wetland wildlife.

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Tweets liked by Avalon Marshes


Upcoming Events

Ode to Autumn – 8 Sept to 7 Oct

An exhibition of new work at Somerset Crafts. Based upon the poem by John Keats, this will be an exhibition of new work starting with a special demonstration day on Saturday 8th September where you can come along to meet… Read more…

Day: Saturday
Date: 08/09/2018

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leaf faces

Wild Arty Day Out – 23rd September

Join us at the Avalon Marshes Centre for some nature-inspired family art activities to celebrate Somerset Arts Week. Get your hands messy making clay animals, natural paint pigments, and hotels for hibernating insects; weave some wildlife-inspired crafts, make a swallow… Read more…

Day: Sunday
Date: 23/09/2018

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Bearded Tit / Reedling

Bearded Reedlings Guided Walk – 3rd October

Discover more about this stunning little bird, specialist of our reedbeds, on a guided walk with Avalon Marshes staff and bird-monitoring volunteers, visiting parts of the reserve not normally accessible to the general public. Charge £10 per person. Places limited,… Read more…

Day: Wednesday
Date: 03/10/2018

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Keeping in Touch

Avalon Marshes is covered by Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Privacy Policy. This can be found here. 

 

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The Avalon Marshes Partnership

 

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