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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Starling season

All you need to know about visiting to see the starling murmurations this season…

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Get on your bike

Cyclists and Tor

Why not dust off your bike and explore the lanes, droves and cycle tracks of the Avalon Marshes? A great way to explore, and we have circular heritage routes to guide you on your way.

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History and Heritage

Glastonbury lake Village

The Avalon Marshes’ landscape is perhaps best known for peat and water.  These give the marshes their unique character and have left a 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 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

Get to know your garden birds – a guided walk at RSPB Ham Wall Nature Reserve

Learn to tell your great tits and coal tits from your blue tits and your dunnocks from your house sparrows. Join us on a walk around RSPB Ham Wall Nature Reserve as we see how many different garden birds we can spot and learn about their different behaviours…. Read more…

Day: Saturday
Date: 29/01/2022

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Make your own bird feeder to attract garden birds

Help to attract garden birds to your own outdoor space for the Big Garden Bird Watch. Join us for a fun family activity to make your own bird feeder. Event is suitable for children ages 4 – 12. Event attendance… Read more…

Day: Saturday
Date: 29/01/2022

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World Wetlands Day Guided Walk

To celebrate World Wetlands Day on 2nd February 2022, come and join us on a guided walk around RSPB Ham Wall. Learn about the history of the reserve and discover how the amazing habitats were created, all whilst spotting some… Read more…

Day: Wednesday
Date: 02/02/2022

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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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