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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Summer Exploring

Cyclists and Tor

Warm weather, long days, colourful wildflowers and birds busy feeding their young. Summer is a wonderful time to explore the Avalon Marshes.   Why not pick up one of our walks or 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

Kingfisher

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

Processions: Two Banners, One Voice

Exhibition open at Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury from 16 June to 2 September Somerset Rural Life Museum and Somerset Art Works are delighted to present a new exhibition marking the centenary of the Representation of the People Act. The Act… Read more…

Day: Saturday
Date: 16/06/2018

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Wild Art – 17 August

Come and have some creative fun using natural materials to print, weave, mould and paint some amazing art. No booking required, park in main Ham Wall car park. RSPB members £2, non-members £3 For more information call: 01458 860494 ham.wall@rspb.org.uk

Day: Friday
Date: 17/08/2018

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Beginners Stone Carving Course – 19 August

Carve your own Tudor Rose on this one-day course that introduces the beginner to the basics of stone carving. No previous knowledge is necessary and all equipment and stone is provided. At the end of the day you will be… Read more…

Day: Sunday
Date: 19/08/2018

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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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