Avalon Marshes – Avalon Marshes – Wildlife, Heritage, Events, and more

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.

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.

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.

Starling Spectacular

Autumn in the Avalon Marshes brings a change as dark clouds begin to form. But these are no ordinary clouds; they are Starling murmurations, huge flocks of Starlings on the move. They use the reedbeds of the Avalon Marshes as a safe and warm night time roost.

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