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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Response to Covid-19

By now we are all aware of the severity of Coronavirus and the impact it will have on our lives in the coming weeks and months.We wanted to let you know how we are dealing with it at the Avalon Marshes. 

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Get on your bike

Cyclists and Tor

Signs of spring are here and the days are getting longer. Why not dust off your bike and explore the lanes, droves and cycle tracks of the Avalon Marshes? A great way to explore, we have cycle heritage trails to guide you on your way.

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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

Child lifting weed

Wilderness Warriors – 7th April – CANCELLED

Join us for a day of games, natural crafting, pond dipping and marshmallows around the fire after a walk down the Sweet Track on Shapwick Heath. Open to children of all ages (under 5s must be accompanied by an adult)… Read more…

Day: Tuesday
Date: 07/04/2020

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Young Wardens Discovering Ditches – 8th April – CANCELLED

Discover water beetle traps and dip ditches with the Hawk & Owl Trust looking for mini-beasts as you survey this important freshwater habitat. Young Wardens is a group for 12-17 year-old’s wishing to take part in practical conservation activities or… Read more…

Day: Wednesday
Date: 08/04/2020

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Reed Warbler

Shapwick Heath Spring Bird Migration Guided Walk – 19th April – CANCELLED

Event cancelled due to concerns about Coronavirus. Catch up with some of Spring’s early arrivals such as martins, swallows and warblers, and hear booming Bitterns on Shapwick Heath’s annual Spring Bird Walk, accompanied by Kevin Anderson, the Avalon Marshes Visitor… Read more…

Day: Sunday
Date: 19/04/2020

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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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